Goddess Annapurna

In Hindu mythology, Annapurna is the Goddess of food and nourishment, and considered as the sustainer of prosperity. In Sanskrit, ‘Anna’ means food and grains, and ‘Purna’ means full, complete or perfect. Hence Annapurna is empowered with the ability to provide food to an unlimited amount of people. She is an Avatar (incarnation) of Goddess Durga and resides atop Mount Annapurna. She is depicted with a jeweled vessel containing food in one hand and a spoon in the other to distribute the food among her devotees. Lord Shiva is often depicted begging before her, with a skull begging-bowl, and the Goddess serving food.

Annapurna is worshiped for attaining perfection in wisdom and achieving the spirit of renunciation.