Direct Answer: When is Maa Annapurna Golden Idol Open in 2026?
In 2026, the solid gold idol of Maa Annapurna in Varanasi opens on Friday, 6 November 2026 (Dhanteras) at 04:00 AM and remains open until Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) at 11:30 PM. The temple is open daily from 04:00 AM to 11:00 PM. During these 5 sacred days, devotees receive the legendary Khazana (blessed silver coins and consecrated raw paddy) distributed personally by the Mahant.
1. Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan 2026: 5-Day Day-by-Day Schedule
The golden idol is enshrined on the upper sanctum floor and is brought forth only for these 5 days. Here is the official calendar of rituals, darshan windows, and prasad distribution:
| Day & Tithi | Date (2026) | Key Rituals & Ceremonies | Prasad & Khazana Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhan Trayodashi) | Friday, 6 Nov 2026 | 04:00 AM Mangla Aarti & Golden Idol Unveiling; Mahant Shringar. | Khazana (Silver coins & consecrated paddy) distribution begins. |
| Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali | Saturday, 7 Nov 2026 | Special Sahasranama Archana and continuous darshan (04:00 AM - 11:00 PM). | Blessed Dhan (Paddy packets) & sugar candy prasad. |
| Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi-Ganesh Pujan) | Sunday, 8 Nov 2026 | Maha Deepotsav inside temple courtyard; midnight Shayan Aarti. | Special Diwali Khazana coins & dry fruit bhog. |
| Day 4: Annakoot Mahotsav (Govardhan Puja) | Monday, 9 Nov 2026 | 56 Bhog (Chhappan Bhog) Laddu Parvat offering; massive floral decor. | World-famous Annakoot Laddoo Mahaprasad distributed. |
| Day 5: Bhai Dooj / Yam Dwitiya | Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 | Final darshan day until 11:30 PM. Golden idol returned to safe vault at midnight. | Final coin distribution & blessed red mauli threads. |
2. The Divine Story of Kashi Annapurna & Lord Shiva's Bhiksha
According to the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva once told Goddess Parvati that the material world is merely an illusion (Maya), including the food that beings consume. To prove the vital importance of nourishment, the Mother of the Universe disappeared, causing an immediate famine across all three worlds. Suffering without food, all beings wept, and even Lord Shiva felt the agony of his hungry creation.
Hearing that Goddess Parvati had manifested as Maa Annapurna in the holy city of Kashi to distribute divine nectar, Lord Shiva appeared before Her holding his begging bowl (Bhiksha Patra). Mother Annapurna smiled and fed Lord Shiva with Her golden ladle. Delighted, Mahadev declared that in Kashi, no one shall ever sleep hungry, and granted Maa Annapurna the sovereign right over nourishment and abundance in Varanasi.
3. Queue Management, Entry Gates & Senior Citizen Tips
🚪 Entry Route & Gates
General pilgrims enter via the barricaded lane from Bansphatak / Godowlia into Vishwanath Gali. Maa Annapurna Mandir is located just 50 meters before Kashi Vishwanath Gate 4. The exit leads directly into the newly renovated corridor chowk.
⏱️ Peak Crowd Hours
Heavy crowds gather between 08:00 AM and 01:00 PM, and 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM. The best and most peaceful window for darshan is between 04:00 AM to 06:30 AM, or late night between 09:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
👨🦳 Senior Citizen Care
For elderly pilgrims, narrow staircase climbs to the upper sanctum are assisted by temple sevadars. Booking a specialized Kashi yatra package ensures local guide support and wheelchair transport right up to Godowlia.
Plan Your Dhanteras & Diwali Yatra in Varanasi
Experience the rare bliss of Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan paired with Kashi Vishwanath VIP Sugam Darshan passes, private evening Ganga Aarti boats, and clean verified hotel stays near Godowlia.
Frequently Asked Questions (Annapurna Swarna Darshan FAQs)
When does Maa Annapurna Golden Idol open for darshan in 2026?
In 2026, the solid gold idol (Swarna Pratima) of Maa Annapurna opens for public darshan on Friday, 6 November 2026 (Dhanteras) at 04:00 AM and remains open continuously for 5 days until Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj / Yam Dwitiya).
What is Maa Annapurna Khazana and why is it given?
Maa Annapurna Khazana is a sacred gift comprising blessed silver or copper coins and consecrated raw paddy (Dhan) distributed by the temple Mahant during Dhanteras and Diwali. Devotees preserve these coins in their home safes, cash registers, or worship altars for eternal abundance and prosperity.
What are the opening and closing timings during Swarna Darshan?
During the 5-day festival, Maa Annapurna Mandir opens daily at 04:00 AM after Mangla Aarti and remains open until 11:00 PM (midnight on Diwali and Annakoot). A brief 30-minute curtain closure takes place in the afternoon around 12:30 PM for Bhog offering.
Is there any ticket or fee for Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan?
General entry for Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan is 100% free of charge. Devotees join the barricaded queue from Bansphatak / Godowlia.
What is the Annakoot Mahotsav and 56 Bhog ritual in Varanasi?
Celebrated on Monday, 9 November 2026 (Govardhan Puja), a colossal mountain of sweets, laddoos, dry fruits, and 56 vegetarian delicacies (Chhappan Bhog) is offered to Maa Annapurna, followed by public Laddoo Mahaprasad distribution in the evening.
Which entry gate is used for Maa Annapurna Mandir during Diwali week?
Pilgrims enter via Vishwanath Gali from the Bansphatak side or via Gate No. 4 (Godowlia side) of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, as Maa Annapurna Temple is situated merely 50 meters from the Vishwanath sanctum.