The moola virat here is goddess Annapoorneswari standing on a peetham holding the sankhu, chakra, sri chakram and devi gayathri in her four hands. The moola virat is always covered with gold from head to toe.The Maha Mangalaharathi performed in this temple is a divine sight with many deepams on either side where the devotees with the seva ticket are allowed to light them. The dress code for men would be pants or pancha, and for women it is any modest clothing. Men should remove their shirt and banian while entering the darshan line and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or shawl. Free anna prasadam is provided to the devotees three times a day including a dessert.
This Kshetram is located in Horanadu,Karnataka , India, 100 kms from Chikmaglur Dist. It is situated on the banks of river Bhadra in the thick forests of the western ghats surrounded by natural vegetation. It is located at an altitude of 831 m.The route leading to Horanadu goes through dense forests of the western ghats creating an amazing travel experience.Best time to visit Horanadu would be from October to April.
The prathista of the deity was done by Sage Maharishi Agasthya
The word Annapoorna is a made of two words Anna meaning rice grains or food and Poorna meaning perfect and complete. Hence, Annapoorna means complete or perfect food.It is believed that whoever seeks the blessings of Sri Annapoorneswari here will not have dearth (scarcity)of food in life. Another section of people believe that if you eat the anna prasada in this temple, you will get rid of health issues. Farmers in the surrounding areas offer a part of their first crop to Sri Annapoorneswari Amma and seek blessings. They believe that if they offer , their crops would flourish the whole year irrespective of rains or natural calamities.
The temple is open to devotees from 6.30am to 9pm. The anna prasada is provided at 7.30am , 12.30 pm and 7.30 pm. No ticket for darsanam.
Regular sevas:
Special sevas:
Yearly Sevas:
Homam Sevas:
Aksharabhyasam and Namakarana – The pilgrims can also perform the Namakarnam ritual (Naming of a newborn) and the Aksharabhyasam ritual at the temple.
The hereditary dharmakartha family started this temple 400 years back. This temple was unknown to devotees for many years until the fifth Dharmakartha Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois revived it . The moola virat was re-established in 1973 on the auspicious day of Akshaya tritiya.
To reach the main temple, devotees have to climb a flight of steps from the Mahadwaram which is adorned by the sculptures of gods. The main mantapa is located on the left-hand side of the temple entrance. Beautiful carvings can be found on the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagruha of the temple and the Padma Peeta consists of Koorma, Ashtagaja and others.
By road: Horanadu is well connected by road from major cities in Karnataka. KSRTC buses and other private travels buses are available on a daily basis from all the major cities. You can also drive to Horanadu if you belong to the nearby cities.
By train: There is no railway station in Horanadu. The nearest railway station is Kadur which is 130 kms from Horanadu. You can reach kadur and take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Horanadu.
By Air: Mangalore is the nearest airport to reach Horanadu. The distance from Mangalore to Horanadu is 125kms. Reach the airport and travel by road from there.
Temple accommodations are available for devotees who wish to stay. There are a number of private lodges and hotels too. Pre-booking facility is also available for some accommodations. There are resorts too for devotees who wish to stay there.
Important festivals celebrated at Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple are:
Navaratri :
The festival is in September – October with great fanfare and glory. 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 winter.
Rathotsava :
The Rathotsava usually occurs 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 Brahmotsavam and Rathotsavam on the third day.
Besides the above festivals, other festivals celebrated here are Deepavali, Shankara Jayanti, and Havi.
The Goddess present here is also praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya.
the temple, mata annapurna and food makes the most enchanting experience
Wonderful
