|| THE GODDESS ANNAPURNA: THE PRESERVER OF THE WORLD: A VIEW || By Kunal Roy

The mythology woven around Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is enough to show the importance of Adishakti to the whole world. One day Shiva and Parvati entered into an argument. Shiva wanted to state that the materialistic aspects, including the food which human eat are futile before him. This enraged Parvati and she decided to disappear from the world.She did so and the whole world began to suffer in a terrible manner. In the absence of food and water, the whole world came into the grip of famine. Lord Shiva ran from pillar to post in search of food. His followers began to chase Him for food. There was not a single grain. Finally He heard that food was only available in Kashi. The Lord went there. Surprisingly, the kitchen was owned by his consort. She was dressed in purple and brown garments. She was sitting on a golden throne, distributing food to one and all. Shiva was also one of them. This simply proved one thing that She always stands out of the crowd. The world got back its grains and life was once more assured!!

Annapurna is the divine mother who grants us nourishment. ‘Nourishment’ doesn’t only refer to the food and grains but also the material richness which each one of us would love to have at any cost! Be it material or spiritual, her supreme divinity is connected to both of them. On the other hand “anna” means grain and “purna” means complete. So she is full and perfect with food, grains and possessions!  The perfect embodiment of Adi Shakti blesses her children with nourishment, wisdom and renunciation. It is customary to offer her meals before consuming anything. The lips must chant the divine hymns to seek her blessings and protection all the time.

    Annapurna temples have been set up across the whole nation. But the followers intensely believe that she resides in the temple of Kashi. In the hours of crisis, her clemency appears and she protects the whole creation. Once the saint Ramprasad, fondly known as Prasad worshipped her in Kashi as the world was reeling under the torment of abject penury due to famine. With the passage of time everything became stable. Today the Goddess is worshipped everywhere. The celebration has touched the heart of her devotees. The flowers are at her lotus feet. The offerings are made to her. The candles are lit to spread the glow. The incense sticks burn. An extra dimension is added to this moment of purity, divinity and spirituality!!