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Annapurna Jayanti

 

Annapurna Jayanti


Annapurna Mata is the Goddess of the Nourishment and is empowered with the ability to supply unlimited food to her devotees. In Sanskrit, 'Anna' means food and 'purna' means complete; together the term Annapurna signifies nourishing with food to the fullest.

Food is one of the basic necessities of life, and it is no wonder that we say ‘Annam Brahma’, food is God. Without her there is starvation. Annapurna Jayanti is a festival dedicated to Goddess Annapurna – Hindu goddess of food and cooking.

It is observed on the full moon day in the month of Margashirsh. In some regions an Annapurna Vrat is observed during the period. Goddess Annapurna is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. 

Legend has it that once the food on earth was not replenished and soon the food started getting over. Living beings were in a danger of starving. Human beings prayed to Brahma and Vishnu and they together awoke Lord Shiva from his yoganidra (sleep). He agreed to restore prosperity and food on earth.

It is also said that while Shiva is engaged in helping his devotees in attaining Moksha in Kashi, Goddess Annapurna looks after life and makes sure that food is available to all living beings that arrive at Kashi.