Introduction:
Horanadu temple at Karnataka is dedicated to the Goddess Annapoorneshwari. She is the Goddess of food and the mother of this universe who feeds all the people of this universe with benevolence. There are several legends connected with this temple, which are even dated back to the times of Sage Agastya. Several miracles have happened in this temple, which invites a lot of devotees to this temple.
Fact 1:
The temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari, who was the incarnation of Goddess Parvathy is located in the town of Hornadu. This is located at 100 km from Chikmagalur, which is a salubrious forest of the Western Ghats.
Fact 2:
The temple is believed to have been established by Sage Agastya, in around the 8th century. It is believed that he is one of the important saints of Tamil Sect, known as “Siddhar”, who had eight different powers called Ashta Maha Siddhis. He was instrumental in establishing several temples across India.
Fact 3:
The word Anna Poorna has been derived from two words. Anna means food, and Poorna means complete. It is always the food that gives complete satisfaction to a human. When all other riches are given, Man would always crave for more.
Fact 4:
the divine idol of Goddess Annapoorneshwari in that temple was kept in a standing position on top of a Peetha inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. She would be holding Shanku or a conch shell; Chakra, or the wheel; and other weapons like Sri Chakri, in her four hands. The idol of the goddess is adorned with gold ornaments from head to toe. It is a common belief that her blessings would always give bountiful food in life.
Fact 5:
Legends say that when there was a disagreement between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. Lord Shiva made the time go still, and froze everything, claiming that it is all an illusion. Then all the people along with the Devas begged towards Goddess towards her mercy. She came in the form of Annapoorneshwari and blessed everyone with great food. She distributed the food to all living beings, like a mother who cares for her children.
Fact 6:
Dharmakartharu priests have been manging this temple for almost 400 years. They are highly devoted and are the prime reason for the temple to be functioning well. Dharmakarthru priests have revived the temple and its rituals and gave a new life to the temple.
Fact 7:
The temple has a magnificent south Indian architecture. The temple is decorated with beautiful sculptures, all over. The temple also has beautiful carvings and stucco images.
Fact 8:
Akshaya Tritiya is an important festival in this temple. This is celebrated with pomp and feisty, as it is considered as the birthday of the Goddess. Rathotsava or the cart festival is celebrated in February.
Fact 9:
Another legend says that once Lord Shiva beheaded Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma’s Skull, got stuck in the hands of Lord Shiva and cursed that until the skull is full of grains, the skull will not be detached from the Lord’s hand. Then it was with the benevolence of the Goddess, who filled the skull with immense grains, Lord Shiva got his redemption.
Fact 10:
This temple is located in the same belt as the temples of Kukke, Sringeri, Dharmasthala, Udupi, and Kollur. As one can plan all these temples at one stretch.
Horanadu Temple Timings
Mahamangalarathi Time: Morning at 9:00 am, Afternoon at 1:30 pm, Night at 9:00 pm.
Kunkumarchana Time: Morning from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Evening from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Prasada Bojana Time: From 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, Night from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Note: All the above timings may vary on the special days.
