Annapurneshwari Temple

Annapurna temple or Annapurneshwari temple is located in Horanadu, Karnataka. It was situated in the middle of the dense forest of Western Ghats. The Bhadra river flows through the temple area.

This temple has other name called Adishaktyatmakta Sri Annapurneshwari Ammanavara temple. It is also called as Sri Kshetra Horanadu temple and the idol was installed by Agastya Maharshi in this temple.

History:

According to Puranas, there was an argument between lord Shiva and goddess Parvati - the goddess worshipped as Annapurna, the provider of food. Lord Shiva declared that food & everything in the world is illusion(Maya). To prove that food was not illusion, Parvati devi disappeared which in result nature become lifeless. There is no change in weather, no growth in plants and there was food shortage in the world. Feeling pity on the world, Parvati appeared and distributed food to everyone.

According to another story, Lord Shiva headed off lord Brahma and Brahma's skull got stuck in Shiva's hand. He felt unfortunate that it would stick to his hands until the skull was full of food and grains. Lord went everywhere and asked for food but the skull was not filled. He finally came to this Annapurna Devi temple and goddess Annapurna filled the skull with grains and prevented Shiva's misfortune.

How To Reach:

  Horanadu common bus stand is the nearest bus stand to reach the temple with a distance of about 80 m. You can reach the temple by walk easily.

The temple has been run by generational priests(same family priests continuing for generations) for 400 years. Since then, the same family has been maintaining the temple. The deity idol was reinstalled in 1973 on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.