Key Information at a Glance
| Deity | Adi Shakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari (a form of Goddess Parvati, the giver of food) |
| Location | Horanadu, Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, on the banks of the Bhadra river |
| Darshan timings | Generally early morning to around 9:00 PM daily (confirm with the temple) |
| Free annadanam | Vegetarian meals served free to all visitors, regardless of caste or religion |
| Accommodation | Free pilgrim lodging and rooms available; book through the temple office |
| Marriage / functions | Kalyana mantapa near the temple; arrange directly with the temple administration |
About Sri Kshetra Horanadu Annapoorneshwari
Sri Kshetra Horanadu sits deep in the forests and valleys of the Western Ghats, on the banks of the Bhadra river in Chikkamagaluru district. The presiding Goddess, Adi Shakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari, is worshipped as the giver of food and nourishment — a form of Parvati. By tradition, a devotee who seeks her blessing will never face scarcity of food. The shrine has ancient roots associated with Adi Shankaracharya, and the present golden idol of the Goddess was consecrated in 1973.
Pilgrims visit Horanadu year-round, often combining it with nearby destinations such as Kalasa, Sringeri and the hill country around Chikkamagaluru. The temple is best known not only for its darshan but for the spirit of annadanam — the daily free feeding of every visitor who arrives.
Marriage and Function Procedure — How to Arrange Officially
A kalyana mantapa (marriage and function hall) is available near the temple, and families do hold weddings and ceremonies in the presence of the Goddess. Capacity, the slot calendar, priest arrangements and any charges vary by date and season, so all of this is decided only by the temple administration.
Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide — we do not book functions or take payments. To arrange a marriage or function, here is the honest, official route:
- Contact the temple administration office directly to ask about hall availability for your preferred dates.
- Ask the office about hall capacity, what is provided (priest, basic facilities) and what you must arrange yourself.
- Confirm any advance, deposit or charges in writing or directly with the office — never pay an unofficial intermediary.
- Reconfirm your booking and timings a few days before the event, especially during festival periods.
Hall details, capacity and costs change — please confirm everything with the temple office before planning.
Free Annadanam and Accommodation
Annadanam is at the heart of Horanadu. The temple serves a free vegetarian meal to every visitor — typically a wholesome three-course meal that includes a sweet dish — without distinction of caste, religion or status. Meals are served at set times during the day, so it helps to plan your visit around them.
For pilgrims who wish to stay overnight, the temple provides free accommodation. Room types and availability vary, and demand is high during festivals and weekends. Bookings and room allotment are handled by the temple office.
- Free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors during the day.
- Free pilgrim accommodation is available; reserve through the temple office, ideally in advance.
- If you have a large group or special needs, inform the office early.
Meal timings and room availability can change — confirm with the temple before you travel.
Darshan Timings
The temple is generally open for darshan from early morning until around 9:00 PM each day. Mahamangalarati is typically performed around 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 9:00 PM, with special poojas such as Kunkumarchana during the day. Because timings shift with festivals, special sevas and seasonal arrangements, treat these as indicative only.
Exact darshan and pooja timings change — confirm with the temple office on the day of your visit.
Location and How to Reach
Horanadu lies in the Western Ghats, about 10 km from Kalasa and roughly 100 km from Chikkamagaluru town. It is well connected by road, and reaching it usually means a scenic drive through the hills.
| By road | Daily KSRTC and private buses run from Bengaluru (around 300+ km); also reachable from Mangaluru, Sringeri and Kalasa |
| By rail | Chikkamagaluru is the practical railhead, connecting to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi and Shivamogga; continue by road |
| By air | Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest major airport; continue by road |
Distances and transport options are indicative — check current bus and train schedules before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold a marriage or function at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?
Yes, a kalyana mantapa near the temple is used for weddings and functions. You must arrange dates and details directly with the temple administration, as availability and any charges are decided only by the temple office.
Is the food at Horanadu temple really free?
Yes. The temple serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors during the day, regardless of caste or religion, as part of its tradition of annadanam.
Does the temple provide accommodation for pilgrims?
Yes, free pilgrim accommodation is available and is allotted by the temple office. Rooms can fill quickly on festivals and weekends, so it is best to contact the office in advance.
What are the darshan timings at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?
The temple is generally open from early morning until around 9:00 PM, with Mahamangalarati around 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Timings can change on festivals and special days, so confirm with the temple office.
