Mata Annapurna Puja or Goddess Annapoorna Devi Pooja is one of the important rituals in some parts of India mainly in Eastern Indian states. Annapurna Puja is observed with utmost devotion in West Bengal. Annapurna Puja is solely dedicated to worship Goddess Annapurna.
Who is Goddess Annapurna Devi – Significance of Annapoorna Mata Incarnation?
Goddess Annapurna is one of the aspects of Goddess Parvati. To prove her credibility in feeding living beings, once she separated from Lord Shiva and consecrated in Kasi (Varanasi) as Annapurneshwari Devi.
Lacking her in Kailash, Lord Shiva was starved for some time and was unable to live without Pravti and food. Lord Shiva realized that the main source and creator of world’s nourishment and feeding is Goddess Parvati, the Mother Goddess. And he visited Kasi and prayed to Goddess Annapurneshwari Devi. He begged her some food and made himself free from starvation.
When is Annapurna Puja observed?
Goddess Annapurna Puja is observed in Shukla paksha of Chaitra month as per the traditional Hindu (Bengali) calendar. In 2009, Annapurna Devi Puja is observed on April 3, Friday.
Rituals and Customs during Annapurna Puja:
Annapurna Puja festival is mainly observed by women. The important rituals and customs during Annapoorna Pooja day include – recitation of Annapurna Devi Stotram and observance of fast. In some places people worship Annapoorna Mata by installing idols and by setting up pooja mandap. All other rituals and customs are performed as per traditions.
Importance of Goddess Annapurna Worship – Significance of Mata Annapoorneshwari Pooja:
Devotees who worship of Goddess Annapurneshwari will be blessed with prosperity and health. Women worship Annapurneshwari Devi for their better married life. They also perform Annapurneswari Pooja for their children’s health and better growth.
Sri Annapurna Jayanthi – Birthday Celebrations of Goddess Annapurna in North India:
Goddess Annapurna Pooja in North India is observed on the day of Annapurna Jayanthi which is observed in the Hindu month Margashira (Margashirsha masam). Goddess Annapurneshwari Jayanti is celebrated with utmost devotion in Kasi (Varanasi) Sri Annapurneshwari Devi Temple.
Goddess Annapurna Devi is worshipped as the Goddess of Fourth Day during Durga Navratri puja. Annapurna Mata is worshipped as one of the Navadurga forms or manifestations during Durga Navratri Puja in South India.
