Annapurna Puja

Annapurna Puja: Mythology Associated

Annapurna Mata is considered to be the god of food in Hinduism. Let us now know the Annapurna mata story:

Once, there was a shortage of food and water on Earth, and the people were thirsty and starving. Feeling helpless, all the people on Earth started to pray and ask Lord Brahma and Vishnu for food. Therefore, knowing about the situation of people on Earth, Lord Brahma and Vishnu rushed towards Lord Shiva.

They revealed the situation of people starving on Earth 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.

Annapurna Puja Significance

Annapurna Puja is very significant for all the people because Annapurna Mata 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. The Puja is performed on the day of Purnima because Goddess Parvati appeared on Earth and offered food and nourishment to all the people on Earth.

This festival is especially celebrated in Kashi, Varanasi. On this day, Lord Shiva begged for food, holding a bowl to Maa Annapurna, and offered it to all the people on Earth. It’s believed that wasting food on this day can be unlucky and that people might have to suffer from hunger.

Annapurna Puja: Rituals and Remedies

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 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 Mata 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 Annapurna 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 Mata 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.