SANTOSH 9702: Devotees

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Why do temples not give free meals to devotees like gurdwaras do?

Actually many Hindu Temples do offer free food or Annadhanam to devotees.

Hinduism(Shastras) tells that “10 % of your earning should be spent for annadhnam,charity,temples and puja.”

Whenever we think of free food, the first name that comes to our minds is of ‘The Golden Temple’, Amritsar. The largest free kitchen in the world is clearly one of its kinds.

Most of the temples in India serve Annadhanam to lakhs of people everyday and many small to medium temples serve it on special days and some serve during a particular time.

If you are interested read the ansers of below question also and many wonderful answers are written.

Which Indian temples offer a free meal?

Not only that Tamil Nadu government has ordered to provide free food in all big and famous temples in Tamil Nadu and even many temples of Karnataka are providing free meals.

About - Tamilnadu District Wise Annadhanam Temple List

Tamilnadu District Wise Annadhanam Temple List

Annadhana scheme extended to 106 more temples - TAMIL NADU - The Hindu.

However, there are several other temples in India that offer free food to thousands of people on a daily basis. In fact, many of them have gained international recognition for their massive level of food preparations:

I am listing out top 10 temples that serve free meals everyday.

1.) Tirupati Temple, Andhra Pradesh(I have visited this temple)

Tirupati is one of the most famous temples of south India. Everyday free food also known as Annadanam is offered to thousands of pilgrims who visit the temple. The devotees who contribute to the Annadanam believe that offering food (to the needy) without expecting anything in return is the purest form of devotion.Nearly 100000 people are served eveyday.

2) ISKON Temple, Hubli, Karnataka

Akshaya Patra, an ISKON foundation is a non-profit organization that owns a mega-kitchen in Hubli, Karnataka. The kitchen is well-equipped to be able to produce food for 150,000 people in less than 5 hours. ISKON foundation runs the world’s largest school lunch program providing mid-day meals to several schools in rural areas providing the under-privileged kid a thing they need the most.

3) Vaishno Devi, Jammu

Trip to Vaishno Devi can be a tough one with several kilometres of trekking in a cold climate. The only thing apart from devotion that can make the journey more interesting and can keep you going is hot and fresh free food. You can enjoy free food at various checkpoints en route to Vaishno Devi. These free food check points are run by Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and are mostly funded by donations from devotees.

4) Jagannath temple, Puri, Orissa

Darshan to the famous Jagannath temple is not complete until you enjoy the ‘bhog’ prepared inside. Here the food is cooked and served in utensils made of clay. The temple serves as many as 25,000 people on a normal day and around 100,000 people on a festival day. Rice is prepared in a unique way where 7 clay pots with rice grains and water are kept one above the other. The pot which is closest to the flame will be cooked last while the rice on the top pot will be cooked first. Now that is some real miracle!

5. The Sri Sai Sansthan Prasadalaya, Shirdi, Maharashtra

This kitchen combines spirituality and technology to serve its devotees. Considered to be one of the largest solar kitchens in India, this place has at least 4 rooftops that are arranged with 73 solar dishes, each one 16 sq. metres in size catering to nearly 40,000 meals in a single day. Moreover, the kitchen also prepares thousands of breakfast packets that are distributed with

out any cost to people in the early morning hours.

6. The Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Karnataka(I have visited this temple)

Situated in Belthangdi taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, this temple in South India receives the largest number of people from the region. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is managed entirely by a single family, the Heggades, who have been following their duty for 21 generations. The temples Annadanam kitchen prepares at least 70 quintals of rice, 15 quintals of vegetables and 2000 coconuts! Its gigantic hall gives space to 2500 people at a given time.Again nearly 80000 to 100000 people are served.

7. Kukke Subramanya temple, Karnataka(I have visited this temple)

Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, this temple is located in Karnataka amidst the magical and breathtaking Western Ghats range. The temple offers free food to everyone who visits the temple. The food is very tasty and a must have for everyone. Every day the temple serves thousands of people who visit it. Do not forget to eat this prasadam if you visit Karnataka!

8.Guruvayur Temple, Kerala

This Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna serves prasadam every morning and evening to the people who come here to seek divinity. Although there are strict practices which need to be followed in order to enter this temple, yet the place emanates spirituality with its ambiance, traditions and of course the prasadam.

9. Salasar Temple, Rajasthan

Located in Churu district, this temple attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year especially on Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima. The temple of Salasar Balaji is now considered to be a Shakti Sthal (a place of power) and Swayambhu (self creation) by faith, belief, miracles and wish fulfillments of the devotees. With its grand location and space, the temple serves free food and drinks to those who visit it.