Shri Annapurna Stotram

Shri Annapurna Stotram (literally meaning "Hymn to the Goddess of Abundant Nourishment") is a 12-verse devotional masterpiece composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Goddess Annapurna, the presiding deity of nourishment and grace in the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi).

In Sanatana Dharma, Mother Annapurna is worshipped not only as the provider of physical food (Anna) that sustains the body, but also as the grantor of spiritual wisdom (Jnana) and dispassion (Vairagya) that liberates the soul.

Each verse praises Mother Annapurna's jewel-adorned beauty, Her lotus hands holding a golden ladle and food bowl, Her compassion towards all living beings, and Her divine play with Lord Shiva. Each verse concludes with the iconic refrain: "Bhikṣāṃ Dehi Kṛpāvalambana-Karī Mātā'nnapūrṇeśvarī" ("O Mother Annapurna, Empress of Kashi, grant me the alms of wisdom and devotion!").

• Verse 1: O Annapurna, giver of eternal bliss, destroying sins, Empress of Kashi, grant me alms of grace!
• Verse 2: O Annapurna, adorned with jewels, red silk, and pearls, Empress of Kashi, grant me alms of grace!
• Verses 3–10: Praising Mother as giver of Yoga, ruler of three worlds, opener of the gates of Moksha, consort of Visveswara.
• Verse 11: Parvati is my mother, Shiva is my father, devotees are my relatives, the three worlds are my home.

Spiritual Significance

Annapurna Stotram links physical food to spiritual enlightenment:

1. Jnana Vairagya Bhiksha: Asks Mother for the highest alms—Knowledge (Jnana) and Dispassion (Vairagya).
2. Universal Family (Verse 11): Proclaims the entire universe as one family under Parvati and Shiva.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 12 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Annapurna Stotram grants the following blessings:

• Abundance of Food and Grain (Anna-Purna Phala): Ensures no hunger, scarcity, or food shortages in the home.
• Grant of Wisdom and Dispassion (Jnana-Vairagya Siddhi): Bestows spiritual maturity and freedom from worldly attachments.
• Domestic Harmony and Prosperity: Fills the household with peace, warmth, and maternal protection.
• Attainment of Liberation (Moksha): Grants residence in Kashi and final liberation at the feet of Parvati and Shiva.

Whoever recites this Shri Annapurna Stotram with devotion will be blessed with constant prosperity, food abundance, and spiritual wisdom.

Verse 11 is the famous supreme declaration of universal unity: "Mātā Me Pārvatī Devī Pitā Devo Maheśvaraḥ | Bāndhavāḥ Śiva-Bhaktāśca Svadeśo Bhuvana-Trayam" ("Goddess Parvati is my Mother, Lord Maheswara is my Father, all devotees of Shiva are my relatives, and all three worlds are my native homeland!").

1. When should Annapurna Stotram be chanted?

Before eating meals, during morning/evening Puja, Annakoota festival, and Fridays.

2. Why is reciting this before meals beneficial?

Chanting Annapurna Stotram before meals purifies the food (Anna Shuddhi) and turns physical eating into a spiritual offering (Yajna).