Annapurna Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Margashirsha month. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, who is considered the goddess of food, prosperity, and nurturing. Goddess Annapurna is a form of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, who nourishes life by providing food to mankind. The day of the incarnation of Annapurna form of Mother Parvati on the day of Magarshi Shukla Purnima is celebrated as Annapurna Jayanti. Mother Annapurna is also known by the names Annapurneshwari and Annada.
The main objective of Annapurna Jayanti is to understand the importance of food, respect it and share it with everyone. On this festival, devotees worship Goddess Annapurna and wish for food, wealth and prosperity in the family. Also, this day inspires us to help the needy and donate food.
According to mythology, once Lord Shiva told Mother Parvati that food has no importance in the world. He argued that life can also be sustained through meditation, sadhana, and austerity. Goddess Parvati was angered by this statement of Lord Shiva and she made food disappear from the universe.
The absence of food caused hunger and famine all around. The creatures, humans, and gods of the world all fell into trouble without food. Then Lord Shiva accepted his mistake and prayed to Goddess Parvati to explain the importance of food.
After this, Goddess Parvati took the form of Annapurna and distributed food again and gave life to the world. Since then, Goddess Annapurna is worshipped as the goddess of food and prosperity.
Follow bath and purity
Arrange worship material
Chant mantras and perform aarti
Donate food and clothes
Fasting and listening to the story
Worship and respect of food
Message of charity and service
Economic prosperity and peace
Balance of karma and dharma
In today's time, where disrespect of food and grains has become common, the importance of Annapurna Jayanti increases even more. On this day, we should understand the importance of food and should not waste it. Along with this, we should try to help the needy and arrange food for them.
Annapurna Jayanti is not only a festival of worship and adoration of Goddess Annapurna, but it is a holy occasion to explain to us the importance of food, charity, and service. This day teaches us to respect food, share it with others, and always be grateful to nature and God.
"May there always be food, wealth, and prosperity in your life with the blessings of Mother Annapurna."
"Om Annapurnayai Namah."