Annapurna Stotram
A Hymn by Adi-Shankaracharya

Annapurna Jayanti, the anniversary of the day the goddess Annapurna incarnated on earth, is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar. In 2020, this day falls on December 29.

Annapurna is the goddess of food and nourishment. She is a form of Parvati, the inseparable shakti of Lord Shiva. The first part of her name, anna, is translated as “food” and “grains,” and the second, purna, means “full” or “complete.” Annapurna Devi holds in one hand a jeweled bowl full of grains and in the other a golden ladle, symbolizing the abundant nourishment she gives to all. She is the Mother Goddess, the sustainer of all life.

The Annapurna Stotram is an exquisite hymn in praise of the goddess. This hymn was written by Adi Shankaracharya, a greatly respected philosopher and theologian who lived in India in the early 8th century and who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, on which many of the Siddha Yoga teachings are based.

On this auspicious day, recite the words of the Annapurna Stotram with the intention that everyone in the world receive the nourishment Annapurna Devi bestows.