Annapurna Jayanti 2023 Date, Rituals, Story & Significance
Annapurna Jayanti is one of the most ancient and distinctive Hindu culinary festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Goddess Annapurna, the Goddess of sustenance. It is known that Goddess Annapurna is an avatar of Goddess Parvati. In the traditional Hindu calendar, Annapurna Jayanti is commemorated on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of the ‘Margashirsha’ month. This celebration occurs in December according to the English calendar.
On this day, devotees of Hinduism venerate the goddess Annapurna with complete devotion and devotion. The rituals of the puja are predominantly performed by women. Annapurna Jayanti is commemorated by diverse traditions and customs across the nation. Annapurna Jayanti is celebrated during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’ in the eastern territories of India, including the state of West Bengal. On the fourth day of the auspicious Durga Navratri festival, Goddess Annapurna is worshipped in the majority of South Indian temples. On this day, Goddess Annapurna temples in Varanasi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh perform special rituals.
Maa Annapurna Jayanti Date 2023
Tuesday, 26 December 2023
Story of Maa Annapurna
The afflicted people began worshiping Lords Brahma and Vishnu in an effort to alleviate their affliction when water and food began to run out. Brahma and Vishnu, aware of the difficulties of the people, worshiped Lord Shiva and awoke him with a yoga pose before informing him of the situation. Lord Shiva then toured the planet. Mata Parvati then assumed the form of Annapurna, while Lord Shiva assumed the form of a devotee. Lord Shiva then received charity from Mother Annapurna and distributed it to the people of the world. On this day, therefore, Mata Annapurna is venerated.
Rituals of Annapurna Jayanti
- In their home, Hindu devotees execute the puja rituals. At the site of worship, a small mandap is constructed, and an idol of the goddess Annapurna is placed.
- On Annapurna Jayanti, the Goddess is worshiped with ‘Shodashopachar’. Devotees perform the ‘Annabhishekam’ ritual for the goddess Annapurna.
- On Annapurna Jayanti, women observe a strict fast to appease the goddess Annapurna and seek Her divine blessings. They do not consume anything throughout the day. The fast is interrupted at night, following the worship of the goddess Annapurna.
- On this day, reciting the Annapurna Devi Ashtakam is considered extremely auspicious.
Significance of Annapurna Jayanti
Annapurna Jayanti is a significant Hindu holiday. It is devoted to the Hindu goddess of food and cookery, Annapurna. The Hindi word ‘Anna’ means ‘nourishment,’ while ‘Purna’ means ‘complete. All humans, along with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, prayed to Lord Shiva when the earth’s food supply began to run out, according to Hindu mythology. On the ‘Purnima’ of the Margashirsha month, Goddess Parvati then appeared as Goddess Annapurna and replenished sustenance on Earth. Since then, this day has been celebrated as Annapurna Jayanti. It is also believed that the goddess Annapurna provides sufficient nourishment for Her devotees, particularly those who reside in Kashi.