Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple

The Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple, more popularly known as the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Hornadu among the beautiful hills and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of Sri Annapoorneshwari.

The word Annapoorna is a conjunction of two words- Anna meaning food or grains and Purna meaning complete and perfect. Sri Annapoorneshwari is the Goddess of food and nourishment. She is considered to be an avatar of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva.

Further, she is praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya. Even though people wildly worship her, only a few temples are there for her as the presiding deity. The other famous Temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari are the Annapoorna Devi mandir and the Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

To visit the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, devotees have to climb a few steps to reach the main temple complex. The Gopuram of the Temple also has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. A mandapam is there on the left of the main entrance. A queue complex next to the Mandapam is also there for entry into the main hall where Annadanam takes place every day.

Moreover, towards the back of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a commercial complex of four to five shops is present that sell Pooja materials as well as small toys and gifts from Horanadu. The ceilings of the temple also have wonderful carvings.

The idol of the main deity of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Sri Annapoorneshwari consists of gold. The Goddess has a standing posture with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri.

What is the history of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple? 

Though nobody knows the exact date of construction in the history of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, but devotees believe that the original temple was small. They also believe that the holy Sage Agasthya himself established the annapoorneshwari temple.

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple was small and inconspicuous until the fifth Dharmakartharu Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois renovated the Temple following the Vaastu Shilpa and Astrology.

Further, the Punarprathisthapan of Sri Annapoorneshwari took place in 1973. Moreover, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri performed the Mahakumbhabhishekam.

The sixth Dharmakartharu constructed the Navagraha Temple. He also established the steam cooking system in the Temple Kitchen, Annachathra, and Guesthouses for pilgrims and the labor colony.

What is the legend of Goddess Annapooreshwari?

An interesting legend associated with 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 Parvati became suspicious and an argument ensued between Shiva and Parvati. Vishnu then intervened and stated that he made the moves were whereas Shiva and Parvati 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 Parvati 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.

What is the significance of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

It is considered to be auspicious to perform Annadanam for people with the blessings of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. They are absolved of their sins and will never go hungry in their life. Devotees also believe that that one who prays to the deity with conviction will never face any food scarcity in his or her life.

All the visitors irrespective of religion, caste or creed are served with a three-course vegetarian meal for free. The pilgrims are served thrice a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are also provided with Tea and Coffee in the evening for free.

Aksharabhyasam and Namakarna – The pilgrims can perform the Namakarnam ritual (Naming of a newborn) and the Aksharabhyasam ritual at the Temple. The Aksharabhyasam ritual involves writing the name of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Saraswathi on an offering of Rice amidst the chanting of mantras and shlokas.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings

Here’re the timings of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:30 am	9 am
Afternoon Darshan	11 am	2 pm
Evening Darshan	7 pm	9:30 pm
Maha Mangala Aarti	9 am, 1:30 pm, 8:30 om
Prasada Bhojana (Annadanam)	12 pm	3 pm

Dress Code

The male devotees have to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple complex. It is preferred to wear a towel or shawl that covers their shoulders. There is no particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear decent apparel.

Which Sevas & Poojas are performed at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Daily Sevas are as below:

Maharangapooja –This is also known as the Deepardhana. A devotee can perform it by obtaining a receipt of Rs. 500.

Panchamruthanhishekam – The Goddess is bathed with Milk, honey, curd, sugar, and ghee. The cost for this Seva is Rs. 30 for all days except for Friday.

Kumkumarchana – The Kumkum Archana is done especially for the Goddesses. Kumkum and Turmeric are the main materials for the Aarti. The cost is Rs. 40.

Annadana Seva for one day – A devotee can perform the Annadanam (donation of food) for one full day for Rs. 5000.

Navagraha Pooja – The Pooja is performed for the Navagrahas (nine gods representing the planets). The cost of the Seva is Rs.300.

Sri Sathyaganesha Vratha – The Seva costs a devotee Rs.250.

Further, there are Special Sevas on Fridays:

Shukravara Seva – In this Seva, the Kumkumarchana will take place for the Goddess on any one Friday of the month for twelve months in a year. Also, the minimum amount payable for the service is Rs. 500.

Hunmine or the Amavasya Seva – The Kumkumarchana will take place on every Amavasya of the month for one year. Also, minimum amount payable is Rs. 500.

Homam Sevas

Special Homam Sevas at the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple are as below:

Sri Mahachandika Homam – The Homam is in dedication to Goddess Shakti or Chandi. Also, devotees believe that one can attain health, wealth and prosperity by performing the Homam. It will also relieve the person of evil forces, curses and obstacles in their lives. Experts do the Homam by chanting the Slokas of 13 chapters of Durga Saptashati. Further, Several poojas like the Ganapathi Pooja, Kanya Pooja, Kalasa Sthapana and Saptashati Parayanam also take place. The temple charges 15000 for the service and one should inform the Temple 2 months in advance.

Sri Mahaganapathi Homam – The Homam is performed before the beginning of any pursuit in life. Devotees believe that Lord Ganapathi removes any obstacles in the way of the goal of a person. The Homam is also seeks spiritual blessings. The Temple charges Rs. 12000 for the Seva and one must do the booking 2 months in advance.

Some yearly Sevas are as below

Varshika Seva – The Annadana for 25 persons takes place on a particular day every year up to 4 years only like Marriages, Birthdays, and anniversaries. The minimum charge for the service is Rs. 2000.

Shashwatha Annadana Seva – A devotee can provide Annadanam for a batch on one special day every year of his or her life. The minimum amount payable is Rs. 100000.

Which festivals are celebrated at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Navaratri – The festival is  in September – October with great fanfare and pomp. It lasts for 9 days during which the devotees celebrate the nine forms of Durga. The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kusmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. On the tenth day of Vijayadasami, the Chandika Homam takes place.

Akshaya Thadige – The Akshaya Thadige or the Akshaya Tritiya is in April – May. The day is the birth date of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. It also signifies the beginning of summer and the end of winters. Moreover, it marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga. Moreover, devotees believe that there are no ill or bad timings in the entire day.

Rathotsava – The Rathotsava is a Temple festival that comes in February – March. The festival lasts for 5 days. The Ganapathi Pooja, Ganapathi Homam, and Maha Ranga Pooja take place on the first day. And the Dhwajarohana and Pushpakarohana take place on the second day followed by the Brahmotsava and Rathotsava on the third day.

Besides the above festivals, other festivals are Deepavali, Shankara Jayanti, and Havi.

How to reach Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

By Air – The nearest airport is the Mangalore Domestic Airport. Regular flights are available from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai

By Rail – Shimoga is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 127 km. Regular State Government operated buses are available from Shimoga to Horanadu. Shimoga connects well to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Mangalore by trains.

By Road – One can reach the hill town of Horanadu by buses from cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Shimoga, and Mangalore.

Sringeri to Horanadu

The only way to travel from Sringeri to Horanadu is by Road. There are buses and private taxis available. The distance between the two places is around 45 kms and takes 1:15 hours.

Bangalore to Horanadu

By Air – Fly from Bangalore to Mangalore. One can reach Sringeri by Road from Mangalore. It is around 120kms and takes 2:30 hours.

By Rail – Mangalore and Shimoga are the nearest Railway stations.

By Road – Regular buses are available from Bangalore. It takes around 7:30 hours.

Where to stay near Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the Temple premises. The devotees can book rooms here at nominal rates for their stay. The room options vary from double bed standard to AC. The Suites are also available for larger families.

The requirement of Identity Cards is a must for booking accommodation in the Lodge. Hot water and generator facilities are provided for certain hours every day. For online booking and related queries, one can visit the link http://srikshetrahoranadu.com/

Several private Homestays are present around the hilly town of Horanadu like the Nature Valley Homestay, Suprabha Residency, and Sri Devi Comforts. However, they are at a distance from the Temple.

Where to eat near annapoorneshwari temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple provides Annadanam to the pilgrims every day in the afternoon and the evening. The meal is vegetarian with a desert too. Besides this, a few small hotels can be visited outside the Temple Complex.

Which are some of the Nearby Temples?

Sri Kalaseshwara Temple

The Temple is 8 km away from Horanadu in the town of Kalasa. The Bhadra River surrounds the temple on 3 sides giving the land a pot-like shape. The Temple is for Lord Shiva. According to legends, Sage Agasthya made Kalasa as his home but wanted to witness the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. So Lord Shiva obliged and gave a boon to Agasthya using which he was able to watch the wedding from Kalasa.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham

The holy town of Sringeri is located at a distance of about 70 km from Horanadu.  Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in 8th century AD. Also, it was first of the four Ammaya Peetham. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Temple.

Dharmasthala

This 800-year-old Temple institution is situated at a distance of 108 km from Horanadu. The presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and the Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha. The Temple is one of the most famouse sites of pilgrimage in Karnataka. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the Temple is a Shiva Temple, the priests are Vaishnavites and a Jain family runs the Administration.

Kollur Mookambigai Temple

The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is located in Kollur which is 168 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Further, the unique feature of the Linga is that it has into two unequal parts – The Smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Kukke Subramanya Temple

The Temple is in the town of Subramanya which is 176 km away from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Lord Karthikeya worshiped as Subramanya. When Garuda threatened the divine serpent Vasuke, Lord Subramanya safeguarded him.