Goddess Annapoorna devi is an avatar (form) of Parvati, the wife of Shiva. Anna means "food" or "grains". Purna means "full, complete and perfect".

She is worshipped through the recitation of her thousand names and her one hundred and eight names. The Sri Annapurna Ashtakam composed by Shankaracharya is chanted by several devout Hindus around the world as a prayer for nourishment, wisdom, and renunciation. Before partaking of any food, Hindus chant the following prayer:

“Om Annapurne sadaa purne,
Sankara praana vallabhe,
Gyaan vairagya sidhyartham,
Bikshaam dehee cha parvati.

Mathaa cha Parvati Devi,
Pitaa devo Maheshwara,
Bandhawa Shiva Bhakatas cha,
Swadesho Bhuvana Trayam.”

Translation-

Oh Annapurna, who is forever complete and beloved energy of Lord Shiva. Oh Parvati give me the alms of Your grace to, awaken within me spiritual knowledge, attain freedom from all worldly desires and attain spiritual goal of my life.

My mother is Goddess Parvati, my father is the Supreme Lord Maheshwara (Shiva). My relatives are the devotees of Lord Shiva, and the three worlds are my Motherland.

The Annapurna Vrat Katha containing stories of her devotees are also recited by her devotees.