Varanasi · Annapurna Devi · Visheshwarganj
Annapurna Temple Goddess of nourishment · visitor guide
Meet the goddess who feeds Kashi at this intimate old-city temple, only steps from Kashi Vishwanath.
The basics
What Is the Annapurna Temple?
Annapurna Devi is the goddess of food and nourishment, a form of Parvati. Her temple in Varanasi stands in Visheshwarganj, about 15 metres north-west of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and about 350 metres west of Manikarnika Ghat.
The temple was built in 1729 by the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I in the Nagara style. A popular belief says that no one in Kashi should go hungry, and that belief is tied to the goddess who feeds the city.
Together with Kashi Vishwanath it pairs Shiva, the lord of Kashi, with Annapurna, who feeds it, which is why the two temples are usually visited on the same trip.
- Deity
- Annapurna Devi, goddess of food and a form of Parvati
- Built
- 1729, by the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I
- Style
- Nagara
- Location
- Visheshwarganj, about 15 metres north-west of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Two icons
- A brass icon for daily darshan and a golden icon shown only once a year
- Golden icon
- Displayed for a few days during Diwali, around Annakut
- Timings
- Roughly 4:00–11:30 AM and 7:00–11:00 PM (published guides)
- Entry
- Free
- Time to allow
- 20 to 30 minutes
The story
The Legend of Annapurna
One story tells of a moment when Parvati playfully closed Shiva’s three eyes, plunging the world into darkness. To restore order and to feed the hungry city of Kashi, she took the form of Annapurna, holding a golden pot and ladle, and gave food to all.
In another account, Shiva declared food to be an illusion. To show him its importance, Parvati made all the food vanish until he himself asked for it.
Once a year
The Golden Idol and Annakut
The temple has two icons of the goddess: a brass one that can be seen at any time, and a golden one that can be seen only once a year. The golden icon, shown with Bhu Devi and Sri Devi, is displayed during the Diwali festival, around Annakut, and the crowds at that time are very large.
Annakut, celebrated the day after Diwali, and Navratri are the temple’s main festivals.
On the day
How to Visit Annapurna Temple
The temple is woven into the same pedestrian lanes as Kashi Vishwanath. Keep your visit light, follow local security guidance and allow extra time when the old-city route is busy.
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1
Enter the Vishwanath lanes
Walk from Godowlia or the nearest permitted vehicle point towards the temple corridor.
-
2
Follow security guidance
Carry only essentials and use any available storage for restricted belongings.
-
3
Take Annapurna darshan
The brass icon is available for daily worship; the golden icon is seasonal.
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4
Continue to Vishwanath
Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple as part of the same circuit.
Temple manners
A Respectful, Unhurried Darshan
Travel light
Old-city security and walking are easier with minimal bags and belongings.
Dress modestly
Wear respectful temple clothing and footwear that is easy to remove.
Keep the queue moving
The shrine is intimate; take darshan calmly and make room for other devotees.
Plan for Annakut
Expect exceptional crowds when the golden icon is displayed around Diwali.
Plan your visit
Annapurna Temple Timings
| Session | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Morning | From about 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Evening | From about 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM |
| Entry | Free |
Published guides give slightly different hours, and the temple is much busier during Navratri and Annakut. Confirm locally.
Getting there
How to Reach the Annapurna Temple
Vehicles stop outside the old-city pedestrian zone, so the final approach is always on foot.
-
Step 1
Reach Godowlia
Take a cab, auto or e-rickshaw to Godowlia or the nearest practical old-city drop-off.
-
Step 2
Walk into Visheshwarganj
Follow the signed pedestrian route towards the Vishwanath temple area.
-
Step 3
Visit Annapurna Devi
The temple sits only metres from Kashi Vishwanath, so no second vehicle is needed.
-
Step 4
Complete the circuit
Continue to Kashi Vishwanath and visit Kal Bhairav in the traditional order.
Local advice
Tips for Visiting
- Visit with Kashi Vishwanath. The two temples are next to each other, so do them in one morning.
- Plan for Annakut. If you want to see the golden icon, come during Diwali and expect long queues.
- Dress modestly and keep phones and bags to a minimum, as at other old-city temples.
- Go early for the shortest queue.
Plan a route
Places to Visit Near Annapurna Temple
Combine these in one outing — each has its own visitor guide.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
About 15 metres away — the Jyotirlinga shrine of Kashi.
Read the guide →
Kal Bhairav Temple
Also in Visheshwarganj, visited first by tradition.
Read the guide →
Manikarnika Ghat
About 350 metres east, the main cremation ghat.
Read the guide →
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Read the guide →In pictures
Annapurna Temple: Photo Gallery
Quick answers
Annapurna Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Published guides give roughly 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Confirm locally, since hours can change on festivals.
Timings, rules and fees at temples and ghats can change with the season and on festival days. Details on this page were last checked in September 2026 — please confirm on the day, especially for aarti and darshan times.
Plan your visit
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