Overview
Annapurna Devi Mandir, in the Visheshwarganj area of Varanasi immediately adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the city's most significant temples, dedicated to Annapurna, goddess of nourishment and a form of Parvati. This platform notes that Annapurna is already referenced as a related deity on this platform's Kashi Vishwanath page; this dedicated page gives her full independent treatment.
History
The current temple structure was built in 1729 CE by the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao. The present golden idol of the goddess was consecrated through prana-pratishtha rites in 1977 by the Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, and the temple underwent a further Kumbhabhishekam consecration ceremony in February 2025, some 48 years later, led by Swami Vidhushekhar Bharati, designated successor to the Sringeri Shankaracharya.
Spiritual Significance
Annapurna is devotionally understood to ensure that no one in Varanasi goes without food, and the temple maintains an active Annadanam (free food donation) tradition, serving meals to devotees and the underprivileged as a direct expression of this theological role. The temple's sanctum houses two images: a brass murti used for daily worship, and the golden idol, revealed to the public only once a year during the Annakut Mahotsav festival, held the day after Diwali, when devotees present the goddess with an especially lavish feast and share food with those in need.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Annapurna's role as goddess of nourishment and her identity as a form of Parvati are documented across Shaktism-adjacent devotional literature specific to Kashi. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Annapurna Devi Mandir, Varanasi
ॐ जय अन्नपूर्णा माता जय जय अन्नपूर्णा माता
विश्वेश्वर पदपदम की रज निज शीश लगाय । अन्नपूर्णे तव सुयश बरनौं कवि मतिलाय ॥
नित्यानन्दकरी वराभयकरी सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरी
जय गिरी तनये दक्षजे शम्भू प्रिये गुणखानि । गणपति जननी पार्वती अम्बे शक्ति भवानि ॥
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: October to February offers the most comfortable weather; the Annakut Mahotsav, the day after Diwali, is the temple's single most significant annual event, when the golden idol is displayed publicly.
Getting there: Located within Varanasi, a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy urban access.
Accommodation
Varanasi offers an extensive range of accommodation across all budgets, being one of India's most visited pilgrimage cities.
Local Services
Full urban services are available throughout Varanasi, including the temple's own Annadanam (free meal) service.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Time a visit around the Annakut Mahotsav (the day after Diwali) to see the golden idol, displayed publicly only on this occasion.
- Combine a visit with the adjacent Kashi Vishwanath Temple, given the very short distance between them.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't expect to see the golden idol outside the annual Annakut Mahotsav display; daily worship uses the separate brass murti.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The adjacent primary Shiva Jyotirlinga temple of Varanasi, where Annapurna is referenced as a related deity.
- Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi
Another major Varanasi temple within close walking distance, one of the classical 51 Shakti Peethas.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Another major Varanasi temple, also referenced as a related deity on the Kashi Vishwanath page.
Preservation
The temple underwent a major Kumbhabhishekam consecration ceremony in February 2025; specific further conservation programme details should be verified before publication.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official trust donation channels, which directly fund its Annadanam (free meal) programme.
Sources
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-07-11. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
Do you represent this temple? Confirm or correct this page. Tell us which trust, committee or board you speak for and we will verify before changing anything.
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