anna patnī

  "Anna patnī" in Sanskrit refers to a goddess presiding over food, combining the words “anna” (food) and “patnī” (lady or mistress).

Breakdown of the Term

• Anna (अन्न): This Sanskrit word means food, grain, or sustenance. It represents 
• nourishment and plays a central role in Hindu rituals and daily life

  1

  .
• Patnī (पत्नी): Generally means wife, lady, mistress, or female possessor. In
• religious and mythological contexts, it can denote a female deity or divine 
• consort associated with a specific domain

  1

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

Combined Meaning

• Anna Patnī (अन्नपत्नी) literally translates to "Mistress of Food" or "Goddess 
• of Food." In Hindu texts, this term refers to a goddess who governs food
• and sustenance, ensuring abundance and nourishment for humans and
• other beings. She is mentioned in classical Sanskrit works such as the
• Aitareya Brāhmaṇa and Āśvalāyana Śrauta Sūtra

  1

  .
• 

  1 Source
• 
  

Cultural and Religious Context

• Anna Patnī embodies the divine aspect of food, representing both its 
• sacred significance in rituals and its essential role in sustaining life. 
• Offering food or performing rituals in her honor is believed to bring 
• prosperity, health, and spiritual merit

  2

  .
• This term is part of a larger tradition in Hinduism where divine feminine
• figures personify natural or social elements, such as wealth (Lakshmi) or
• knowledge (Sarasvatī), highlighting reverence for essential resources
• through divine archetypes.
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

In summary, "anna patnī" is a Sanskrit compound referring to the goddess 

overseeing food and nourishment, combining spiritual reverence with 

everyday sustenance in Hindu thought

Wisdom Library+2

.