Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple at Horanadu, in Kalasa taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, is the shrine of the Goddess who feeds the world. It stands on the banks of the Bhadra river, surrounded by the forests, coffee estates and misty hills of the Western Ghats. The temple is loved above all for its tradition of free meals for every visitor – no one who comes to the Mother's door leaves hungry.
The Goddess – Sri Annapoorneshwari
The presiding deity is Sri Adi Shakthyathmaka Annapoorneshwari – Goddess Parvati as Annapoorna, the giver of food and nourishment. The Goddess stands holding the symbols of plenty, and her image shines in gold. Devotees believe that anyone who worships her will never lack food or the necessities of life, and families come to pray for prosperity, good harvests and the well-being of their homes.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to tradition, Lord Shiva once carried a skull (kapala) that had stuck to his hand and would not come off, and it would not be filled however much alms he received. Goddess Parvati, as Annapoorneshwari, filled his bowl with food, and with her blessing the skull fell away and Shiva was freed. In this way the Goddess showed that she is the source of all nourishment, even for the gods.
The worship of the Goddess at Horanadu is believed to be very ancient, and tradition credits the sage Agastya with first installing her here. The present image of the Goddess was consecrated in the 20th century, and the temple has been looked after by a hereditary family of dharmakartas (trustees) for generations.
Annadanam – Free Meals for All
Horanadu is famous for its annadanam. Every visitor, whatever their background, is offered a full, freshly cooked meal at the temple, and in the evening as well. Pilgrims who wish to stay overnight can often find simple accommodation provided by the temple. For many devotees, receiving a meal at the Mother's temple is itself a blessing and the most memorable part of the visit.
Festivals
- Akshaya Tritiya (April–May): celebrated as the day of the Goddess's appearance, with special pujas and large crowds.
- Navaratri (September–October): the Goddess is adorned with special alankarams over the nine days.
- Annual Rathotsavam: the temple's chariot festival, celebrated with great devotion.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with a break in the afternoon.
- Annadanam is served at fixed meal times. Please check locally for timings on festival days.
How to Reach
By Road: Horanadu is about 8 km from Kalasa, about 70 km from Sringeri, about 100 km from Chikkamagaluru and about 130 km from Mangaluru. KSRTC and private buses run from Mangaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Sringeri and Bengaluru. The last part of the journey winds through beautiful ghat roads.
By Train: the nearest convenient railway stations are Chikkamagaluru and Kadur, with buses and taxis onward to Horanadu.
By Air: the nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), about 130 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is expected. By custom, men remove their shirts and cover their shoulders with a shawl or upper cloth before entering; women should wear a saree or churidar with dupatta.
- Annadanam: plan your visit around meal times to receive the prasadam meal.
- Best time to visit: September to March, when the hills are green and the weather is pleasant; the monsoon brings heavy rain to the ghat roads.
- Nearby places: Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri, Kalasa's Kalaseshwara temple, Kudremukh National Park, and the coffee country of Chikkamagaluru.
