Annapurani Samedha Shiva Thirukalyanam refers to the divine marriage between Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Annapurna, which shows the union of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati. The specific divine marriage of Annapurani (incarnation of Parvati) with Sri Bhikshadanar (Shiva in the form of a mendicant) is a remarkable event associated with the important Hindu pilgrimage city Kashi (Varanasi).

Devi Annapurna is the goddess of nourishment and food, and she is regarded as the queen of Varanasi, alongside her consort Shiva (Vishweswar). Annapurna feeds Shiva to fulfil the hunger of all living beings, and this shows that both of them are inseparable. This union is revered through special poojas and Annadaan in temples dedicated to Shiva and Annapurani. The “Annapurani Alangaram” (decorating the deity) is a special event in many Shiva temples during auspicious days, such as Shivaratri and Navaratri Festival days. Annapurani Samedha Shiva is often portrayed with Shiva holding out a bowl (kabala) to receive food from Devi Parvati.

When Bhagwan Shiva, who had taken the form of the great Bhikshadanar, had once felt great hunger and thirst, He approached his lovely consort Ma Annapurana Devi in Kashi, and sought alms from her. The Divine mother, who was very much attracted and attached to her husband Shiva, was very much pleased to serve food to Him. After having food from the golden hands of His consort, Ma Annapurani, Bhagwan Shiva was relieved from hunger and thirst and decided to grant boon to Her.

On hearing that, Ma Annapurani expressed Her willingness to marry Bhagwan at the divine place Kashi. Sri Bhikshadanar readily agreed, and at once, both of them exchanged flower garlands and He tied the golden sacred thread in the neck of the divine mother, Ma Annapurani. The entire universe witnessed the divine marriage, and expressed their happiness by showering flowers on them.

Hindu Granthas state that those who read this sacred and divine marriage event of Sri Bhikshadanar and Ma Annapurani Devi will be blessed with all kinds of prosperity in life. Those who are unmarried, as well as those who have faced failures or obstacles in marriage, will be blessed with suitable life partners and will lead a happy and fulfilling married life through the divine blessings of Shiva and Parvati, the eternal divine parents.

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