Annapurneshwari temple is one of the famous temples in Varanasi. This temple was built in 18th century by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao. The temple is built in Nagara Architecture. This Annapurna Devi Mandir at Varanasi is located at Dashashwamedh Road, Vishwanath gali and is very near to Kasi Vishwanath Temple. Annapurna Matha is the Goddess of Food (Anna means Food and that Purna means complete). This Annapurna Mandir is very much famous during Diwali time. On Diwali Festival day a rath (car) is decorated with huge number of Laddus with Goddess Annapurna Devi for the darshan of devotees. Annapoorani in the sanctum appears with a Kalasa (pot) in the left hand and a spoon in the right hand, sitting on a diamond throne. Highly religious place of worship for Hindus. Goddess Annapurna is considered as 8th form of Goddess Durga, wife of Lord Shiva. Annapurna is known as the goddess of nourishment. She is an avatar (incarnation) of Goddess Parvati. There is daily distribution of food during lunch time and in the evening.
Story behind :
Legend says that Lord Suiva told devi Parvathi that the universe is an illusion and food as part of illusion. Mother got angry and disaapeared which led to earth becoming barren. There was no food & people were suffering without food, mother being compassionate reappeared in Kashi and provided food. Lord Shiva accepted that the world is not illusion and on presentation of bowl mother provided food to the Lord hence she is called as 'ANNPOORNESHWARI'.