Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple
The Annapoorneshwari Temple is a
Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari (Annapoorna), located at
Horanadu, India, 100 km from Chikmagaluru in the thick forests and valleys of
the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of river Bhadra.
Legend
The temple is also known as
Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Temple or Sri Kshetra Horanadu
Temple. 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.
History
Hereditary priests started in this
temple from past 400 years. The same family is serving and preserving the
temple since then. They 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 was repaired and revived. 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.
Devi Annapoorna is lauded and
appraised in several ancient texts like Rudrayamala, Sivarahasya and Annapurna
Kavacha, etc.
Goddess Annapoorneshwari can be
seen here in a standing pose on a peeta. 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 whosoever visits Devi Anapoorna, will
never go without food in their lives.
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 (Homa)
with great enthusiasm.
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.