Annapurna Devi Mandir, Hindu temple in Varanasi, India
The temple is a sanctuary dedicated to goddess Annapurna and located in Varanasi. Inside, a small statue of the goddess holding a bowl and spoon sits at the center of the altar.
The sanctuary lost its original statue long ago through theft, remaining in Canada for over a century. In 2021, the stolen statue was returned and restored to its original place.
Visitors come to worship Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment and food, who in local stories once provided meals to Shiva himself. The place draws daily worshippers who participate in rituals and receive free meals as a spiritual practice.
The site is free to visit and distributes daily meals to visitors, accepting voluntary donations through a formal receipt system. It is wise to prepare for narrow spaces and observe the local custom of removing shoes before entering the sanctuary.
During the Annakut festival, the temple displays a special golden statue of the goddess for a single day to the public. This is the only chance in the year to see this rare artwork, which normally remains hidden.
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