Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

The Goddess Annapoorneshwari is that of her spat with Lord Shiva regarding the importance of food in one’s life. As per the legend, Shiva and Parvathi were playing the game of dice. Shiva lost all that he possessed to Parvati during the game. So, Vishnu asked Shiva to play again. On his advice, Shiva played again and won everything back. But Parvathi became suspicious and an argument ensued between Shiva and Parvathi. Vishnu then intervened and stated that he made the moves were whereas Shiva and Parvathi were playing an illusion. Lord Shiva proposed that everything is temporary like a Maya or an illusion. He concluded that food is also an illusion and a Maya. Goddess Parvathi disagreed and disappeared to prove that food is not an illusion. As a result, nature became still, seasons stopped changing and new plant growth stopped. The land eventually became barren and drought ensued. Therefore, everyone including humans, animals and demons prayed for food. Lord Shiva soon realized the importance of food and recognized it as a basic need for all creatures in the world. Goddess Parvati, taking pity on everyone, appeared in Kashi (Varanasi) and started distributing food. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her with a begging bowl, seeing which Goddess Parvati fed him with her ladle. Since then, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Annapoorneshwari.