Annapurna Stotram
A Hymn Attributed to Adi Shankaracharya
Sung by the music ensemble in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.© Ⓟ 2017 SYDA Foundation®. All rights reserved. Please do not copy, record, or distribute.
Annapurna is the goddess of food and nourishment. She is a form of Parvati, the inseparable shakti of Lord Shiva. The first part of the goddess’s name, anna, is translated as “food” and “grains,” and the final part, purna, means “full” or “complete.” Annapurna Devi holds in one hand a jeweled bowl full of grains and in the other a golden ladle, both symbolizing the abundant nourishment she gives to all. She is the Mother Goddess, the sustainer of all life.
The Annapurna Stotram is an exquisite hymn in praise of this goddess. The hymn is said to have been written by Adi Shankaracharya, a greatly respected philosopher and theologian who lived in India from the late eighth century to the early ninth century and who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.
I experienced such a sweet effulgence rising from within me as I chanted along with these beautiful voices.
Warrnambool, Australia
We are having company tonight for dinner, and I was feeling stressed about the preparations: the shopping, cleaning, and so on. Then, by chance, I read the translation of the Annapurna Stotram and felt showered with grace. I realized that the secret to having company for dinner is love. All is well as I now go about my preparations—with love and ease. I am so grateful for the reminder.
Maryland, United States
I discovered this hymn this morning. It fills me with joy and deep comfort. This hymn to the glory of Annapurna, goddess of food and nourishment, is true food for my soul and spirit. I am grateful to beloved Gurumayi for enabling me to discover this sacred and beneficial hymn through the Siddha Yoga path website.
Montreal, Canada
I sing the Annapurna Stotram once a week. It’s always a delight to listen to and sing along with the melodious voices of the music ensemble. Since I love cooking, gardening, buying food, and of course enjoying it, I am grateful to receive this hymn by which the goddess reveals herself in me.
For me, food is nothing but the love of God. And when I share my food with others, I see love resonate in their hearts.
Some time ago I decided to invite a family from the neighborhood to celebrate my birthday. When the lady of the farm received the invitation from me, she remained silent. Then, she said, “I was born on that day too.”
I had just created a booklet of pictures of flowers from the country. And so, miracle after miracle, I offered the booklet as a gift during a warm gathering around a pie made with rhubarb from the garden. Undoubtedly, the goddess is among us and takes countless forms of food.
For me, food is nothing but the love of God. And when I share my food with others, I see love resonate in their hearts.
Some time ago I decided to invite a family from the neighborhood to celebrate my birthday. When the lady of the farm received the invitation from me, she remained silent. Then, she said, “I was born on that day too.”
I had just created a booklet of pictures of flowers from the country. And so, miracle after miracle, I offered the booklet as a gift during a warm gathering around a pie made with rhubarb from the garden. Undoubtedly, the goddess is among us and takes countless forms of food.
Rodez, France
To me, this beautiful hymn is the perfect antidote to much of the sadness in our world today! It is a boon to my own efforts.
What an exquisite and perfect hymn to the mysterious and profound source that we can always draw close to!
What an exquisite and perfect hymn to the mysterious and profound source that we can always draw close to!
California, United States
I am grateful to have access to this hymn on the Siddha Yoga path website. Experiencing this hymn, I feel connected to Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga path.
Salutations to Goddess Annapurna.
Salutations to Goddess Annapurna.
New York, United States
I am a chef by profession and recently took a job that was a bit more than I felt I could handle. As a result, I became tired and felt run-down. Then I started singing the Annapurna Stotram. I could feel my attitude shifting and my energy level gradually rising.
Washington, United States
I sang this beautiful hymn while seated on a hilltop overlooking pristine views of mountains, lush valleys, and ocean. As I sang, I envisioned the blessings and “abundant nourishment” that Annapurna Devi bestows radiating out into my surroundings and beyond. I felt such peace and gratitude in my heart at the thought that this abundance is available to all.
California, United States
I just recited this hymn to Annapurna for the whole world to be nourished—all creatures, all people. Om is ringing throughout my being. Golden light seems to be issuing forth from this celestial sound. Even my skin feels enlivened! May I never forget this sweet, divine pulsation and sound.
Washington, United States
On the first night of Navaratri, as I sang the Annapurna Stotram and danced to a small murti of the Goddess Durga, I prayed for the fires in my hometown to be calmed and for my fears to be dissolved. Outside, smoke from the fires was rising in the night sky.
No rain had been forecast, but I woke up the next morning to a cool, gentle rain. I smiled and thanked Mahadurga. Later, in meditation after chanting Kali Durge, my breath was steady, my inner state serene, and the love of the goddess pulsated inside me and all around.
Tears of gratitude rose from my heart. I asked the goddess that, with each breath, my experience of unity consciousness be strengthened, and that I always honor my Sadguru, my true Self, and the great goddess.
No rain had been forecast, but I woke up the next morning to a cool, gentle rain. I smiled and thanked Mahadurga. Later, in meditation after chanting Kali Durge, my breath was steady, my inner state serene, and the love of the goddess pulsated inside me and all around.
Tears of gratitude rose from my heart. I asked the goddess that, with each breath, my experience of unity consciousness be strengthened, and that I always honor my Sadguru, my true Self, and the great goddess.
Colorado, United States
I find Annapurna Stotram to be such an uplifting hymn. Listening to this during challenging times has made my heart sing.
As the clouds part, sunlight shines through my window, and I am reminded of the well of power and light that remains within us all.
As the clouds part, sunlight shines through my window, and I am reminded of the well of power and light that remains within us all.
Melbourne, Australia
Returning home tired from work and study, I listened to the music, including this stotram, on the Siddha Yoga path website. This has transported me like never before to feeling one with the shakti, as though I am in the presence of my beloved Guru. My heart opened, and I could turn to face many challenges before me this evening. I am aware that blessings have come to me through the presence of Gurumayi in my heart.
Ostuni, Italy
As we’ve approached the anniversary of the incarnation of the Devi, I’ve been reciting the Annapurna Stotram. I feel I’m entering into a wave, into the heart of the prayer, diving so deep inside that there is nothing but the stotram.
I am so grateful for this gift. The abundance I receive here inspires me to honor the divine, moves my heart to offer puja. Wherever I am, in whatever situation, I feel I’ve been given the tools to honor and worship the moment and to offer blessings.
I am so grateful for this gift. The abundance I receive here inspires me to honor the divine, moves my heart to offer puja. Wherever I am, in whatever situation, I feel I’ve been given the tools to honor and worship the moment and to offer blessings.
New York, United States
I work in the food service industry. Every workday, as part of my morning practice, I include a reading of the Annapurna Stotram. It inspires me to cook for others with a focus toward nourishing instead of simply feeding.
Each time I read the words “Be gracious to me and grant me your blessings,” I imagine myself preparing food in Annapurna’s blessed company. I see now that it is so much sweeter to repeat that line by singing it aloud. What a sweet chant this is!
Each time I read the words “Be gracious to me and grant me your blessings,” I imagine myself preparing food in Annapurna’s blessed company. I see now that it is so much sweeter to repeat that line by singing it aloud. What a sweet chant this is!
New York, United States
Nowadays I sing this Annapurna Stotram every day. Practicing this hymn, and regularly contemplating its meaning, make my connection with my Self more expansive and more constant. I feel the nourishment and compassion of the divine energy within me. When I finish singing, I remember and perceive the bliss, quietness, and sufficiency of the divine light and sound.
Mexico City, Mexico
This hymn has such power for me. When I read it for the first time, I could sense the presence of the goddess within me—I could see her seated in the lotus position, with a beautiful bright green shawl around her neck. After I finished reading the hymn, I felt the goddess convey to me that the reason for my recent difficulties lies in my ego, rather than my outer circumstances. Each time I read this hymn to the goddess Annapurna, I feel that a deep connection to my inner Self is taking place.
Glastonbury, United Kingdom
This morning as I prepared my breakfast, a feeling of deep gratitude arose in me for the ready availability of nourishing food. As I blessed my food as God nourishing the God within me, I also prayed for everyone in the world to have this basic need met.
Later in the day, I heard a broadcast request for donations to feed people in need. I was drawn to support them with a donation and also wanted to send my blessings.
As I was going to bed this evening, I looked out of the window and saw the light of the full moon. It reminded me of Gurumayi’s light shining on all of us and inspired me to check on the Siddha Yoga path website for guidance. I am so glad I did. I found this wonderful hymn, which supports me in sending my blessings.
Later in the day, I heard a broadcast request for donations to feed people in need. I was drawn to support them with a donation and also wanted to send my blessings.
As I was going to bed this evening, I looked out of the window and saw the light of the full moon. It reminded me of Gurumayi’s light shining on all of us and inspired me to check on the Siddha Yoga path website for guidance. I am so glad I did. I found this wonderful hymn, which supports me in sending my blessings.
Yeovil, United Kingdom