Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple

Goddess Annapoorneshwari

Horanadu, Chikkamagaluru district

Folktale & Sacred Story

Local tradition holds that Sage Agastya, while meditating in these dense Western Ghats forests, invoked and consecrated the Goddess here as Annapoorneshwari so that all beings in the surrounding wilderness, human and animal alike, would always find sustenance. Pilgrims to this day recount her presence as an unfailing provider of food for every visitor who reaches the temple, regardless of background.

Most Revered Practice

The free, three-times-daily vegetarian Anna Prasadam served to every visitor, alongside the Maha Mangalaarti performed thrice a day, form the temple's most cherished practices.

Prasadam & Offerings

A free three-course vegetarian meal (Anna Prasadam) is served to all pilgrims at breakfast, lunch and dinner, irrespective of religion or background.

Temple Speciality

Set deep in the Western Ghats on the banks of the Bhadra river, the temple combines forest scenery with a centuries-old, uninterrupted tradition of feeding every visitor free of charge.

Why Pilgrims Visit

A serene, comparatively less-crowded Devi shrine amid rainforest scenery, known for its warmth toward pilgrims of every background and its free meals.

History & Legend

Tradition credits the original consecration of the deity at this remote Western Ghats site to Sage Agastya, many centuries ago. The shrine remained small and relatively unknown until the fifth Dharmakartru, Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois, redeveloped it according to Vastu and astrological principles beginning in 1973, with the Mahakumbhabhisheka performed under the guidance of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

Divine Significance

Worshipped as the goddess of food and nourishment, Annapoorneshwari at Horanadu is believed to ensure that no devotee who reaches the temple ever goes hungry, a belief reflected in its continuous free-meal tradition.

Darshan Timings

Generally open around 6:30 AM-9:30 PM, with Maha Mangalaarti at 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest railway stations are Kadur and Chikkamagaluru, roughly 100 km away; nearest airports are Mangaluru or Bengaluru, both around 250-280 km away, with the temple reached by road via Kalasa or Balehonnur.

Where To Stay

The temple trust runs guest houses and dormitories, supplemented by private lodges in Horanadu town.

Local Food Nearby

Besides the temple's free Anna Prasadam meals, the Malnad region around Horanadu is known for its coffee estates and traditional Karnataka vegetarian fare.

Contact & Official Info

Contact the Sri Kshetra Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple administration for visit and seva details.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (13.2705, 75.3414)