Annapoorneshwari
Temple
The Annapoorneshwari Temple is a Hindu temple
dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari located at Horanadu, Chikmagalur district
in the dense forests and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is
situated on the banks of river Bhadra. The temple is also known as
Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Temple or Sri Kshetra
Horanadu Temple.
Legend
It is believed that the sage Agastya in 8th century
established the icon of the goddess here.
As per legend, the god Shiva and his wife Parvati -
the presiding goddess of food as Annapoorna, had an argument. Shiva declared
everything in the world including food to be maya (illusion). To prove
food is not illusion, Parvati disappeared resulting in the nature to become
still. Neither climate changed nor plants grew, causing drought in the world.
Taking pity on the world, Parvati appeared and distributed food to all.
According to another tale, Shiva beheaded the god
Brahma. Brahma's skull got stuck in Shiva’s hand. He was cursed that till the
skull is not full of food or grains, it will stick to his hands. Shiva went
everywhere and asked for food but the skull was never full. So he finally went
to this temple and Annapoorna filled the skull with grains and reversed Shiva’s
curse.
History
Hereditary priests (Dharmakartharu) started
in this temple from past 400 years. Dharmakartharu have played an
instrumental role in refurbishing the temple as well as in performing the
rituals here. The temple premise was small and unknown to many till the fifth
Dharmakartharu Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois repaired and revived the temple. The
goddess icon was reestablished in 1973 on the auspicious day of Akshaya
Tritiya.
Deity
and rituals
The word Annapoorna is a made of two words Anna
meaning rice grains or food and Poorna meaning perfect and complete.
Hence, Annapoorna means complete or perfect food. Sri Annapoorneshwari is
believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. Goddess
Annapoorneshwari can be seen here in a standing pose on a peetha. She is
holding Shanku, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayatri in her four hands. The idol
is covered in gold from head to toe, and it is believed that how so ever visit
Devi Anapoorna, will never go without food in their lives.
Devi Annapoorna is lauded and appraised in several
ancient texts like
·
Rudrayamala
·
Annapurnamalininaksatramalika
·
Sivarahasya
·
Annapurna Kavacha
Akshaya Thadige or Akshya Tritya is the main
festival celebrated in this temple. This day is believed to be the birth date
of Devi Annapoorna. This day marks as the beginning of Treta Yuga as
well as the end of winters and start of summers. The temple also celebrates
5-day long Rathotsava during the month of February, 9-day long Navaratri
during September, Deepotsava and Havi with great enthusiasm.
Architecture
To reach the main temple complex, worshipers have
to climb a flight of steps. The Gopuram (entrance) of the temple is adorned
with several sculptures of Hindu deities. Mantapa is located on the
left-hand side of the main temple entrance. Beautiful carvings can be found on
the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagriha
of the temple and the Padma Peeta consists of Koorma, Ashtagaja and
others.
Places
to visit around
Gangamula birthplace of 3 famous rivers Tunga,
Bhadra and Netravathi is located around 40 km. Hanumanagundi waterfalls is 45
km from here. Kyatanmakki Hill View is 15 km from here. Best time to visit.
Distance
Horanadu lies amidst Malnad at a distance of 126 km from Mangaluru and 316 km from Bengaluru. Distance from Sringeri is 75 km. Direct buses run from Bengaluru to Horanadu every day.