परिचय:
अन्नपूर्णा शक्तिपीठ उत्तर प्रदेश के वाराणसी में स्थित एक प्रसिद्ध मंदिर है। यह मंदिर माता अन्नपूर्णा को समर्पित है, जो शक्ति का रूप हैं और अन्न एवं पोषण की देवी मानी जाती हैं। माना जाता है कि माता सती का हाथ यहीं गिरा था। भक्त यहाँ भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक समृद्धि के लिए आते हैं।
इतिहास और पौराणिक कथा:
हिंदू पुराणों के अनुसार, सती माता ने अपने पिता दक्ष के यज्ञ में अपमान होने पर आत्मदाह किया। भगवान शिव ने उनका शव उठाकर तांडव किया। इसे रोकने के लिए भगवान विष्णु ने सुदर्शन चक्र से उनके शरीर को काटा। सती का हाथ वाराणसी में गिरा, जिसे अन्नपूर्णा शक्तिपीठ माना गया। यह मंदिर पूजा, भक्ति और ज्ञान का केंद्र रहा है।
मंदिर वास्तुकला:
अन्नपूर्णा मंदिर उत्तर भारतीय शैली में निर्मित है। गर्भगृह में माता अन्नपूर्णा की सोने से बनी मूर्ति है, जिसमें वह एक हाथ में अन्न की कटोरी और दूसरे हाथ में चमचा पकड़े हुए हैं। मंदिर परिसर में शिव और अन्य देवी-देवताओं के छोटे मंदिर भी हैं, जिससे आध्यात्मिक वातावरण बनता है।
महत्व:
-
अन्नपूर्णा शक्तिपीठ भोजन, पोषण और आध्यात्मिक आशीर्वाद का केंद्र है।
-
भक्त यहाँ समृद्धि, प्रचुरता, स्वास्थ्य और अभाव निवारण के लिए आते हैं।
-
नवरात्रि और अन्नकूट जैसे त्योहार विशेष महत्व के साथ मनाए जाते हैं।
पूजा और अनुष्ठान:
-
अर्पण में अनाज, फल, मिठाई और नारियल शामिल हैं।
-
पुजारी प्रतिदिन आरती और प्रसाद वितरण करते हैं।
-
गरीबों और भूखों को भोजन देना यहाँ की विशेष भक्ति माना जाता है।
यात्रा सुझाव:
-
यात्रा का सर्वोत्तम समय: अक्टूबर से मार्च।
-
नजदीकी रेलवे स्टेशन: वाराणसी जंक्शन रेलवे स्टेशन।
-
आसपास के दर्शनीय स्थल: काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर, मणिकर्णिका घाट, दुर्गा कुंड।
Introduction to Annapurna Shaktipeeth
Location and Significance
Annapurna Shaktipeeth is situated in the sacred city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is revered as the place where the Hand of Sati (Annapurna) fell, making it one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of India.
Meaning of “Annapurna”
The name “Annapurna” means ‘Giver of food’ or ‘Full of food’ in Sanskrit. She is the goddess of nourishment, sustenance, and generosity.
Legend of the Hand of Sati
According to Hindu mythology, out of the body of Goddess Sati, her hand is said to have fallen at this spot in Varanasi; hence this place is called the Annapurna Shaktipeeth.
Deity & Idol Description
Within the inner sanctum, the idol of Mata Annapurna is depicted holding a bowl of food in one hand and a ladle (spoon) in the other, symbolizing her role as the provider of nourishment.
Importance in Hindu Devotion
Devotees come to this Peeth seeking blessings for food, prosperity, spiritual fulfilment, and relief from poverty or hunger, making this temple central to the culture of charity and devotion.
History & Mythology
Origin Story from Puranas
The Puranas narrate that after Sati self-immolated due to insult at King Daksha’s yajna, Lord Shiva in grief performed the Tandava, and to end it Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember her body. One of her hands fell at Varanasi as Annapurna Shaktipeeth.
Connection with Other Shakti Peethas
The Annapurna Shaktipeeth is one among the 52 sacred sites where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen. Its mythological link strengthens its importance for pilgrims following the Shakti tradition.
Legends & Local Folklore
Over centuries, many local legends have grown around Annapurna Peeth, describing miracles, the generosity of the goddess, and stories of devotees who experienced transformation, sustenance, or relief.
Historical Records & Renovations
Historical accounts and temple inscriptions indicate that the temple has undergone several renovations, patronage by kings, local rulers, and community of devotees to preserve its architecture.
Architectural Style & Features
Built in the North Indian temple style, Annapurna Peeth has a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with the idol, subsidiary shrines for Shiva and other deities, carved details and typical elements of temple architecture.
Rituals
Festivals & Timings
Pilgrim Guidelines Devotees are encouraged to bring offerings such as grains, sweets, fruit; dress modestly; avoid non-vegetarian food before visit; participate in service to the poor if possible.
Festivals & Timings
Major Festivals Celebrated
Festivals & Timings
Best Time to Visit
Festivals & Timings
Daily Timings & Entry
Festivals & Timings
Pilgrim Guidelines
Architecture & Art
Design Elements & Sculptures
The temple displays intricate carvings, motifs, and sculptures around its walls; ornate pillars; traditional dome or shikara representing North Indian temple architecture.
Material Used & Construction
Temple construction uses stone and marble, gold or metallic overlay for the idol, traditional paint work; local craftsmanship contributes to the ornamental details.
Symbolism of Structure
Elements such as the sanctum sanctorum, spire, mandapa, entrance gates are symbolic of deeper spiritual meanings: the journey inward, shelter, threshold to the divine, etc.
Art & Iconography in Idol
The iconography of Mata Annapurna includes imagery of food and nourishment, her facial expressions, attire, and specific attributes like bowl and ladle reflecting her divine role.
Temple Layout & Surroundings
The temple complex includes subsidiary small shrines, corridors, courtyards, and surroundings like ghats or riverside proximity which add to its sacred ambience.
Visiting Information & Travel Tips
How to Reach
Annapurna Temple is accessible via Varanasi Junction railway station; local transport like rickshaw, taxi; nearest airport and road connectivity details help planning.
Accommodation Near Temple
There are several guest houses, dharamshalas, and hotels in Varanasi at various budget levels close to the temple for pilgrims.
Local Sightseeing Spots
In addition to Annapurna Peeth, visitors may explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Durga Kund and other spiritual/cultural places around Varanasi.
Best Time & Weather Advice
Visiting between October and March is best; summers can be hot and humid, monsoons bring heavy rains; ideal months for pilgrimage and photography.
Visitor Etiquette & Tips
Respect local customs: remove shoes, dress modestly, maintain cleanliness, avoid loud behaviour; photograph only where allowed; follow temple rules.
Annapurna Shaktipeeth is situated in the sacred city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is revered as the place where the Hand of Sati (Annapurna) fell, making it one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of India.
The name “Annapurna” means ‘Giver of food’ or ‘Full of food’ in Sanskrit. She is the goddess of nourishment, sustenance, and generosity.
According to Hindu mythology, out of the body of Goddess Sati, her hand is said to have fallen at this spot in Varanasi; hence this place is called the Annapurna Shaktipeeth.
Within the inner sanctum, the idol of Mata Annapurna is depicted holding a bowl of food in one hand and a ladle (spoon) in the other, symbolizing her role as the provider of nourishment.
Devotees come to this Peeth seeking blessings for food, prosperity, spiritual fulfilment, and relief from poverty or hunger, making this temple central to the culture of charity and devotion.
The Puranas narrate that after Sati self-immolated due to insult at King Daksha’s yajna, Lord Shiva in grief performed the Tandava, and to end it Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember her body. One of her hands fell at Varanasi as Annapurna Shaktipeeth.
The Annapurna Shaktipeeth is one among the 52 sacred sites where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen. Its mythological link strengthens its importance for pilgrims following the Shakti tradition.
Over centuries, many local legends have grown around Annapurna Peeth, describing miracles, the generosity of the goddess, and stories of devotees who experienced transformation, sustenance, or relief.
Historical accounts and temple inscriptions indicate that the temple has undergone several renovations, patronage by kings, local rulers, and community of devotees to preserve its architecture.
Built in the North Indian temple style, Annapurna Peeth has a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with the idol, subsidiary shrines for Shiva and other deities, carved details and typical elements of temple architecture.
Pilgrim Guidelines Devotees are encouraged to bring offerings such as grains, sweets, fruit; dress modestly; avoid non-vegetarian food before visit; participate in service to the poor if possible.
Major Festivals Celebrated
Best Time to Visit
Daily Timings & Entry
Pilgrim Guidelines
The temple displays intricate carvings, motifs, and sculptures around its walls; ornate pillars; traditional dome or shikara representing North Indian temple architecture.
Temple construction uses stone and marble, gold or metallic overlay for the idol, traditional paint work; local craftsmanship contributes to the ornamental details.
Elements such as the sanctum sanctorum, spire, mandapa, entrance gates are symbolic of deeper spiritual meanings: the journey inward, shelter, threshold to the divine, etc.
The iconography of Mata Annapurna includes imagery of food and nourishment, her facial expressions, attire, and specific attributes like bowl and ladle reflecting her divine role.
The temple complex includes subsidiary small shrines, corridors, courtyards, and surroundings like ghats or riverside proximity which add to its sacred ambience.
Annapurna Temple is accessible via Varanasi Junction railway station; local transport like rickshaw, taxi; nearest airport and road connectivity details help planning.
There are several guest houses, dharamshalas, and hotels in Varanasi at various budget levels close to the temple for pilgrims.
In addition to Annapurna Peeth, visitors may explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Durga Kund and other spiritual/cultural places around Varanasi.
Visiting between October and March is best; summers can be hot and humid, monsoons bring heavy rains; ideal months for pilgrimage and photography.
Respect local customs: remove shoes, dress modestly, maintain cleanliness, avoid loud behaviour; photograph only where allowed; follow temple rules.
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