Annapurna
The story goes that
once there was an argument between Shiva and Parvati as to the significance of
Prakriti (Mother Nature/the feminine aspect of Divinity). Shiva was dismissive
of the role played by Prakriti, asserting the dominance of Purush (the male
aspect of Divinity). Parvati then vanished. When the Mother of the Universe
disappeared, sustenance too was lost. There was famine everywhere. Shiva’s
devotees prayed to him to appease their hunger, but the Lord himself was at a
loss to satisfy their need. Then word came that there was food to be had in one
and only one place on Earth – the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Shiva went to
Varanasi to beg for food, and found that the bountiful hostess of Kashi was
none other than Parvati or Annapurna (anna
– food/grains; poorna – complete/perfect).
Lord Shiva receives food alms from Annapurna
Annapurna Devi is
depicted as being rosy-complexioned, with three eyes. While two of her hands
are in the abhaya (protecting) and varada (bestowing) mudras; in the other two she holds a bowl of porridge and a ladle.
Food is recognized as sacred
in Hinduism as it is in many other faiths. In a world where many go hungry
those who are free from the sharp claw of hunger are the fortunate ones. And there
are many prayers that are used to sanctify food before its consumption. While
the Perfected Ones may be beyond hunger; that still leaves all the rest of
creation whose need for physical nourishment supersedes spiritual hunger. The
form of Annapoorna is a reminder to the Seeker that She who holds the key to Wisdom
and Moksha is also the one who nurtures the most basic need of the body.
The most famous shrine
to Annapurna is the Annapurna Devi Mandir in Varanasi. Every day in the temple,
food from the temple’s kitchen is distributed to the needy. Especially during
Sharad Navaratri, this annadhanam
(food charity) reaches a magnificent scale.
Annapurna Devi Mandir at Varanasi
Annadhanam at the Temple
