Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity and auspiciousness, most widely performed on Diwali evening and on Fridays.
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Goddess Annapurna
Annapurna Puja
Worship of Goddess Annapurna, the Mother who nourishes the world, traditionally offered for a home that never lacks food and for gratitude.
In-person Online available1 to 2 hoursAlso: Annapoorna PujaAlso: Annapurna Devi Puja
Overview
What is Annapurna Puja?
Annapurna Puja is the worship of Goddess Annapurna, a form of Parvati honoured as the giver of food and nourishment. Her name means the one who is full of food, and her worship is an expression of gratitude for every meal and a prayer that no one in the home goes hungry.
Kashi holds a special place in her worship. The Annapurna temple near Kashi Vishwanath is among the most visited shrines of the city, and tradition holds that Lord Shiva himself stands before her with a begging bowl. Around Diwali the temple celebrates Annakoot, and in Margashirsha many Varanasi families keep the Annapurna vrat.
At home, Annapurna Puja is often performed in or near the kitchen, with rice, grains and a full vessel as central offerings. It is also performed at the start of a new kitchen, a new home or a food business.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Significance
A well known story tells of Shiva describing the world as illusion, including food. Parvati then withdrew all food from the world, and when hunger spread, Shiva came to her as a mendicant in Kashi to receive alms. The story teaches that nourishment is itself a form of the Divine Mother.
Annapurna is therefore honoured as the protector of the kitchen and the household, and her worship is tied to generosity and the offering of food to others.
Who performs it
- Families who wish to express gratitude for food and nourishment
- Those setting up a new kitchen or moving into a new home
- Owners of restaurants, catering and food businesses
- Devotees in Varanasi who keep the Annapurna vrat
When to perform
- Annapurna Jayanti, on Margashirsha Purnima
- During the Annapurna vrat observed in Margashirsha
- Around Diwali and Annakoot
- When starting a new kitchen, home or food business
- Fridays or on a muhurat suggested by the Pandit
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to pray that the home never lacks food
- Devotees associate Annapurna's worship with gratitude and contentment
- Believed to bless a new kitchen or food business
- Encourages the family tradition of feeding others
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Preparation
An altar is set near the kitchen with an image of Goddess Annapurna, a kalash and a vessel filled with rice or grains.
- 2
Ganesh Pujan and sankalp
The puja begins with Ganesh Pujan and a sankalp in the family's name and gotra.
- 3
Avahan and shodashopachara
Goddess Annapurna is invoked and offered the sixteen upacharas, with special offerings of rice, grains and freshly cooked food.
- 4
Stotra path
The Annapurna Stotram attributed to Adi Shankaracharya is recited along with other prayers to the Goddess.
- 5
Naivedya and aarti
Home cooked naivedya is offered, followed by aarti with the whole family.
- 6
Anna daan
Where the family wishes, food is offered to guests, the needy or a cow as part of the puja.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Image or idol of Goddess Annapurna
- Red or yellow cloth for the altar
- Kalash with mango leaves and a coconut
- A vessel filled with rice or grains
- Flowers and a garland
- Kumkum, haldi and akshat
- Freshly cooked food for naivedya
- Fruits and sweets
- Ghee diya, incense and camphor
- Ganga jal
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit for the Annapurna Puja
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Guidance on samagri and kitchen preparation
- Stotra path, naivedya and aarti as per tradition
- Help choosing a suitable muhurat
Not included
- Samagri and idol, unless arranged on request
- Food for anna daan unless arranged in advance
- Travel beyond the service area
- Decoration
- Dakshina customs, which vary by family and are discussed openly
Duration: 1 to 2 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share your name, gotra and intention on WhatsApp
- · The Pandit performs the sankalp and puja in your family's name
- · Join live on a video call and offer naivedya in your own kitchen
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Annapurna Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Annapurna Pujan
- Hindi
- Annapoorna Pooja
- Telugu
- Annapoorani Pooja
- Tamil
- Annapoorneshwari Pooje
- Kannada
- Annapurna Pujo
- Bengali
- Annapurna Pooja
- Spelling variant
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Annapurna Puja FAQs
Why is Annapurna Puja special in Varanasi?
The Annapurna temple near Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most important shrines in Kashi, and tradition holds that Shiva receives alms from Annapurna there. Many Varanasi families keep her vrat in Margashirsha.
Can Annapurna Puja be done in a new kitchen?
Yes. It is often performed when setting up a new kitchen or moving into a new home, usually near the kitchen itself.
Can a food business book Annapurna Puja?
Yes. Restaurants, caterers and other food businesses often perform it at the start or on an auspicious day.
How much does Annapurna Puja cost?
It depends on the vidhi, samagri and location. Share your details on WhatsApp and we will get you a clear quote.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Annapurna Puja
The traditional housewarming ritual for entering a new home, Ganesh puja, Vastu worship, havan and the family's first formal steps inside, at an auspicious muhurat.
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.