Amidst tight security arrangements, thousands of devotees thronged the famous Annapurna Mandir near Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Kashi Vishwanath Mandir to have ‘darshan’ of golden idol of Maa Annapurna on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras here on Friday. As the temple is located in the red zone of super sensitive Gyanvapi premises, elaborate security arrangements were made and each devotee was only allowed after being checked through metal detectors. In view of the rush of devotees, the adjoining areas were barricaded. Queues of devotees were seen even in Dashashwamedh-Godowlia areas. The Dhanteras Parv (festival) will continue for five days and it is the first time when the same has been extended to five days, instead of four. The darshan of the golden idol began after Peethadishwar Shankar Puri offered Shodashopachara puja and Mangla aarti. During the next five days till November 14, the people can have darshan of this golden idol daily between 4 am to 11 pm except 12 noon to 12.30 pm when Bhog Aarti is performed. Every year this golden idol is taken out only once on this auspicious occasion. In the afternoon hours there was a heavy rush when ‘anndhan’ (coins and lava) was distributed. The Banarasis believe that keeping the coins in the houses brings Maa Annapurna’s blessings on their family. The reference of this golden idol of Maa Annapurna is seen in Bhishma Purana and other ancient books. Its evidence is available since 1601 AD which was the time of Mahant Keshav Puri. To maintain law and order elaborate security arrangements were made and senior district and police officers were camping there to keep a watch on the situation. The rush of devotees to offer prayers to Goddess Annapurna was also seen in the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the same will continue for five days till Annakoot Mahotsav. The doors of the Annapurna Mandir were opened after the aarti for the devotees to have darshan of the idol of Goddess Annapurna. The temple was decorated with attractive lighting and tableaux. This idol of the goddess Annapurna was installed at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham two years ago by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after it was brought back from Canada as the idol was stolen from the city more than 100 years ago.
