Annapurna Puja

What is the story behind the celebration of Annapurna Puja?

Annapurna mata story- Once, there was a shortage of food and water on the Earth, and the people were thirsty and starving with hunger. So, feeling helpless, all the people on Earth started to pray and ask for food from Lord Brahma and Vishnu. Therefore, knowing about the situation of people on Earth, Lord Brahma and Vishnu rushed towards Lord Shiva, who was sitting in a Yoga posture. They revealed the situation of people on Earth who were starving due to food shortages.

On hearing about the situation of people, Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth and took a tour. While this situation saddened Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) took the avatar of Maa Annapurna. On the other hand, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a devotee, received all the food and essential things from Maa Annapurna, and distributed it to all the people on Earth. Since then, people have started to observe Annapurna Puja as thanksgiving to Maa Annapurna.

What is the significance of Annapurna Puja?

Annapurna Puja is very significant for all the people because it is Annapurna Mata who blesses all his devotees with enough food and nutrition. The main source of life on Earth for people is food, which keeps them alive and active. Moreover, on this day, people observe prayers, Annapurna vrat, and read vrat katha to worship Annapurna Mata, who gives all the necessary wealth, food and nutrition. On this day, people clean and offer prayers to their stoves, where the everyday meal is cooked, seeking blessing from Mata Annapurna. Moreover, Annapurna Puja is performed on the day of Purnima because, on this day, Goddess Parvati appeared on the Earth and offered food and nourishment to all the people on Earth.

Furthermore, the Annapurna Puja is especially in Kashi, Varanasi, because on this day, Lord Shiva begged for food holding a bowl to Maa Annapurna and offered it to all the people on Earth. Moreover, it’s believed that on this day, wasting food can be unlucky and that people might have to suffer from hunger. Also, this day is called the Annapurna Puja because the word Anna refers to food, and Purna means complete.

What are the Rituals and Remedies involved in Annapurna Puja?

On the joyous day of Annapurna Puja, certain rituals and remedies must be followed with true devotion to fulfil all your wishes. So, mentioned below are some of the Annapurna Puja rituals and remedies that can be performed.

Annapurna Puja Rituals

• On the day of Annapurna, the mothers of the house perform all the puja rituals because it’s believed that she is also one form of Maa Annapurna who provides food and nourishment to all her family members.
• The house is cleaned properly to perform Annapurna rituals, and a poster or idol of the Annapurna goddess is kept to perform puja.
• Devotees cook homemade food and offer Maa Annapurna, followed by offering Annabhishekam.
• On this day, women fast all day long to seek her blessings and please Maa Annapurna so that the devotee’s house is filled with food, wealth and prosperity.
• Devotees perform vrat Katha and chant Annapurna Devi Stotram.
• People offer food and money to unfortunate people. You can also offer food to Brahmins that can help you gain abundant blessings and prosperity.

Annapurna Puja Remedies

• On this day, your kitchen should be properly cleaned. Also, the offerings prepared should be made in new utensils.
• While offering prayers and performing rituals, one must wear white or yellow cloth as a sign of positivity and purity.
• The idol of Maa Annapurna should be placed in the right direction, with the northeast facing the West.
• Make sure that water, betel leaves, and coconut with turmeric and vermillion are placed well before Maa Annapurna so that you will be blessed with abundant food and wealth.
• A picture or idol of Maa Annadani should always be kept at home so your home is always filled with nourishment and grains.
• Keeping an Annadani Yantra at home is very beneficial because Maa Annapurna will never let you sleep on an empty stomach.

Conclusion

As we conclude here, let us remind you never to waste food and always respect the food, which is a blessing given by Maa Annapurna. So, remember to follow the rituals mentioned above on the day of Annapurna Puja so that you are blessed with enough nutrients and foods necessary for living on Earth.