Annapurna Ashtami is ascribed to the worship of Sri Annapurna Devi, one of the incarnations of Sri Parvathi Devi. The festival occurs on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami of Vasantha Navrathri festival celebrated in the month of Chaithra.
Goddess Sri Annapurna Devi is revered as the Deity for food, nourishment and sustenance.
Annapurna Ashtami occurs on Tuesday, 16th April 2024. The exact duration of the Ashtami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Legend
As per the legend, once, Bhagwan Shiv had told to Sri Parvathi Devi that all the visual and physical things are only illusionary which includes even food and sustenance. Maa Parvathi is the Deity who gives sustenance to the universe.
She had decided to impart the importance of food and other material things. Hence She had disappeared. With Her absence, all the things which contribute to the sustenance on the universe had got wiped out and the universe had got barren.
Due to the non-availability of nourishment, all the living beings suffered in hunger. Seeing the plight of Her subjects, She had incarnated Herself as Sri Annapurna in Kashi to feed the universe.
Bhagwan Shiv also had accepted the need for nourishment and sustenance.
Women devotees predominantly observe this festival for the welfare and nourishment of their family members.
Rituals
The devotees rise early in the morning and take holy bath. The Puja place at the homes is cleaned. The idol / picture of Sri Annapurna Devi is kept on a plank. The Deity is then adorned with Chandan, Kumkum, Turmeric and flowers. Lamps and incense sticks are lit.
The slokas / stotrams invoking Sri Annapurna Devi including Sri Annapurna Ashtakam are read and recited with devotion.
Fruits and sweets are offered as Neivedyam and distributed to all as prasadam. Sri Annapurna Devi is prayed sincerely and devoutly. The devotees seek Her blessings for keeping and maintaining abundant stock of grains and foodstuff at home.
Some of the devotees observe Nirjal Upvas for the welfare of their families. There is also a practice of applying Chandan and Kumkum to the stoves and utensils as a mark of respect as they help in preparation of food.
Making donation of food grains and food to the poor and the needy is considered virtuous and auspicious.
It is believed that devout observation of this festival shall result in maintenance of good food grains throughout the Year for the nourishment of the family.
Special prayers are conducted at Sri Annapurna temples across the country.
ॐ भगवत्यै विद्महे महेश्वर्यै च धीमहि तन्नो अन्नपूर्णा: प्रचोदयात्
Om bhagavathyai vidhmahae maheshwaryai cha Dheemahi thanno anna poorNaah prachodhayaath
