Divine Annapurna Devi Temple Aral, Vasmat, Hingoli

Annapurna Devi, who bestows grace upon devotees with food grains, wealth, and familial happiness, is considered a form of Goddess Gauri herself. In the ‘Markandeya Purana’ composed by Maharshi Ved Vyasa, Goddess Parvati is referred to as Annapurna. Devotees believe that this Goddess, known by the names Annada, Annapurneshwari, and Shakambhari, nourishes and sustains the entire creation. Temples dedicated to these various forms of the Goddess are found all over the country. Among them, a renowned and vibrant shrine is the Annapurna Temple at Aral in Basmat Taluka. This temple is a place of immense faith for countless devotees.

A mythological legend about Annapurna Devi recounts that once, Lord Shankar and Parvati had a debate about the importance of Prakriti (nature/matter) and the supremacy of Purusha (consciousness/spirit). At that time, Shankar said that the world (samsara) is an illusion; everything here is a mirage. Not only that, but even food is Maya (illusion). As Parvati is the deity of food grains, she became enraged upon hearing this. She said, ‘If I am an illusion, then I shall see how you and this universe can exist without me,’ and saying this, Parvati disappeared. With her departure, chaos erupted throughout the entire cosmos. Time stood still. Seasonal changes ceased. A famine struck the earth. At that time, Lord Shankar began to beg for alms to feed his followers. However, no one had even a speck of food left to offer Him.

At that time, someone informed Shankar about a woman in Kashi who was distributing food to people. Hearing this, Shankar came to Kashi. He saw that the woman running the food distribution for the people was none other than Goddess Parvati herself. Seated on a throne, she was distributing food to deities and humans from all three worlds. Since then, Annapurna Devi has been called the presiding deity or the Queen of Varanasi. There is a famous temple dedicated to this Goddess in Varanasi. It is believed that Lord Shankar comes to this temple to beg for alms from the Goddess. In Maharashtra, when the bride performs Gauri-Har Pujan before marriage, a brass or silver idol of Annapurna is worshipped. Annapurna Devi is also regularly worshipped in many household shrines.

Although there is no definite information about how ancient the Annapurna Devi Temple at Aral in Basmat Taluka, Hingoli, is, villagers estimate it to be 500 to 600 years old. It is said that this ancient temple was neglected for many years. The place was covered in heaps of soil and was unclean. Once, Omkarnath Maharaj came to Aral for pilgrimage and stayed in this dilapidated temple. At that time, the Goddess appeared to him in a vision and instructed him to repair the temple. Following the vision, Omkarnath Maharaj decided to renovate the temple with the help of the villagers. The stone idol of Annapurna Devi here was broken, so a finely crafted metal idol was made in its place. In 1947, Annapurna Devi was consecrated in this temple by Omkarnath Maharaj according to scriptural rites. Since then, daily Prasad (holy offering) service has been available for devotees visiting the temple for Darshan. This temple is also included in the government’s pilgrimage site development program.

This temple, located in the central part of Aral village, is surrounded by a compound wall. Entry to the temple’s paved courtyard is through its two-storied entrance gate. In the courtyard, there are verandas (shelters) on the right and left for the convenience of devotees. In front of the main temple is a Tulsi Vrindavan (sacred basil plant enclosure). The temple’s structure comprises a semi-open Darshan Mandap (viewing hall), a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), an Antarala (vestibule), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On the facade of the Darshan Mandap, four stone pillars are connected by arched gateways. As the temple is situated on a slight elevation, one enters the Darshan Mandap by ascending two steps. On both sides of the Darshan Mandap are sculptures of Dwarpals (gatekeepers). The entrance to the Sabha Mandap features intricately carved pillar-branches, two Kirtimukhas (glorious faces) at the bottom, an idol of Ganesha on the lintel (Lalatabimba), and also a Ganesha idol on the upper part (Uttaranga). In this enclosed Sabha Mandap, a Saripata (game board) structure, a few inches high, is carved between four stone pillars. The entire construction of this temple is in the Hemadpanti style. Further ahead is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. This entrance is also adorned with pillar-branches. Below the entrance are a crescent-shaped stone (Ardha-chandra shila) and Kirtimukhas beside it. Inside the Garbhagriha, within a marble shrine, is a distinctive idol of Annapurna Devi. This four-armed idol holds the four Vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda – in her hands. This form of the Goddess, adorned with a silver crown on her head, a rich sari, and ornaments, appears unique. Near the feet of this idol is a metal Utsav Murti (processional idol) of the Goddess.

The Sabha Mandap of the temple has a horizontally structured shikhara (spire) with small kalashas (finials) on it. The main shikhara above the Garbhagriha also features replicas of similar horizontally structured shikharas. Within the temple courtyard, there is a Mahadev Temple. This temple is also built of stone, similar to the Annapurna Devi Temple. Inside its Garbhagriha, an unbroken stone Shivlinga is enshrined. Additionally, there is a Samadhi Mandir (tomb shrine) of Omkarnath Maharaj here. In its Garbhagriha, a white marble seated idol of Omkarnath Maharaj is placed on a Vajra Peetha (diamond throne).

On Margashirsha Pournima (full moon day), Annapurna Mata’s Jayanti (birth anniversary) is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On Magha Krishna Shashti (sixth day of the dark fortnight of Magha), a Yatrotsav (fair/festival) is held here. Omkarnath Maharaj had initiated this festival. During this time, a ceremonial Mahapuja (grand worship) of the Goddess, a Palkhi Sohala (palanquin procession), day-long bhajans (devotional songs), and kirtans (chanting sessions) take place; wrestling matches are also a highlight. Sarees offered to the Goddess by devotees throughout the year are distributed free of charge to female devotees on Bhaubeej (a festival similar to Raksha Bandhan). Rest houses and dining facilities are available here for devotees.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery