About Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
The Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple at Horanadu, often called Sri Kshetra Horanadu, lies in the forests and valleys of the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, on the banks of the Bhadra river. The village is in Kalasa taluk at an altitude of over 800 metres, about 9 km from Kalasa town. The goddess Annapoorneshwari, a form of Parvati, is the giver of food and nourishment, and devotees believe that anyone who prays to her will never lack food. Pilgrims come from across Karnataka and beyond, and the green hills and coffee country around make the journey itself memorable.
Temple tradition credits the sage Agastya with establishing worship of the goddess here, and its full name honours her as Adishaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari, the goddess as the primal power. Annapurna is usually shown holding a golden ladle and a vessel of food, the image of a mother who feeds the world, and Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as her birthday. In keeping with her nature, the temple is known for feeding its visitors: devotees are served a meal, and prayers are held after the pilgrims have been fed. The temple is reached through forested ghat roads, and its official name and website use the title Sri Kshetra Horanadu.
Visitors enter through a tall main gateway, the Mahadwara, and climb to the temple, which sits in a clearing among wooded hills. The temple halls are busy with families offering prayers, receiving prasada and moving on to the dining hall. The surrounding Malnad landscape of rivers, rain forest and plantations is one of the attractions of a visit, and many pilgrims combine Horanadu with Sringeri, Kalasa and the hill country of Kudremukh on the same trip. Rain is heavy in the monsoon months, when the rivers run full and the hills turn a deep green.
Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple timings
Usually open from early morning to night, with meals served at set hours. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport, about 120 km from nearby Kalasa.
By train
The nearest railway junctions are Mangaluru (about 120 km west of Kalasa) and Kadur (about 125 km east).
By road
Horanadu is about 9 km from Kalasa and about 100 km from Chikmagalur by road. Buses run from Chikmagalur, Kalasa and Mangaluru.
Festivals at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
- Akshaya Tritiya (birthday of Annapurna)Apr/May
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional dress is expected. Men are commonly asked to remove shirts and wear a dhoti or cover with a shawl inside the temple; women wear saree or salwar-kameez. Follow local instructions.
- Entry
- Free. Meals for devotees are served by the temple.
- Accept the meal served by the temple; feeding devotees is central to worship here.
- Ghat roads are winding; avoid night driving, especially in the monsoon.
- Combine the visit with Sringeri and the Kalaseshwara temple at Kalasa.
- Carry rain gear from June to September.
Places to visit near Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
- Kalaseshwara Temple, KalasaShiva temple in Kalasa town, about 9 km away
- Kudremukh National ParkWestern Ghats forest and grassland, about 30 km away via Kalasa
- Sringeri Sharadamba TempleSeat of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, in the same district
Frequently asked questions
Why is Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple famous?
It honours the goddess of food in the Western Ghats, and devotees are served a meal at the temple.
How far is Horanadu from Chikmagalur?
It is about 100 km from Chikmagalur by road and about 9 km from Kalasa.
Is there a dress code at Horanadu temple?
Traditional dress is expected, and men are usually asked to remove shirts inside the temple.
Which river flows by Horanadu temple?
The temple is on the banks of the Bhadra river.
What are the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to night, with meals served at set hours. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
