TempleVishwanath Gali, next to Kashi Vishwanath
Annapurna Temple
The temple of Mata Annapurna, the goddess of food, who is believed to feed every soul in Kashi.
About
Mata Annapurna is the goddess of food and nourishment, a form of Goddess Parvati. According to legend, Lord Shiva himself came to her with a begging bowl, and she promised that no one in Kashi would ever go hungry.
The present temple was built in the 18th century by the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao and stands just a few steps from Kashi Vishwanath, so most devotees visit both together.
The temple is famous for the Annakut festival after Diwali, when the deity is offered a mountain of food. Around Dhanteras, the golden idol of the goddess is displayed for darshan for only a few days each year, drawing huge crowds.
Don't miss
- Darshan with Kashi Vishwanath
- Annakut festival after Diwali
- Golden idol darshan around Dhanteras
Travel tips
- Plan it together with Kashi Vishwanath darshan on the same morning.
- During the golden idol darshan around Dhanteras, expect very long queues.
- The lane is narrow and crowded, so keep belongings close.
Location
Vishwanath Gali, next to Kashi Vishwanath
Nearby places
TempleKashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The new corridor now gives a straight, wide path from the temple down to the Ganga.
- Timings: Roughly 3 AM to 11 PM (starts with Mangla Aarti)
- Entry: General darshan free; Sugam darshan and aartis are ticketed
GhatDashashwamedh Ghat
The most famous ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti. Arrive well before the aarti to get a good spot.
- Timings: Open all day; Ganga Aarti around 6 PM in winter (Oct–Mar) and 6:45 PM in summer, about 45 minutes long
- Entry: Free (boat rides are paid)
TempleKaal Bhairav Temple
The 'Kotwal' (guardian) of Kashi. It's believed a Banaras trip is incomplete without his darshan.
- Timings: Roughly 5 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Entry: Free