For centuries, Khichdi Baba has been feeding the hungry in Kashi

It is believed that not a single being in Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva, sleeps hungry because of the blessings of Goddess Annapurna.
The Khichdi Baba temple ensures that the belief becomes a reality. It has been operating an `anna kshetra' (a place of foodgrain) at Dashaswamedh area for centuries.
Said to have been started by Shankar Swami Khichdi Baba centuries ago, the `anna kshetra' is being run by Sanjay Maharaj, a fourth generation member of the family which has been looking after the temple for more than 100 years.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva had magically concealed the food items of goddess Annapurna and asked her to satisfy his hunger. It was then that Shankar Swami arrived in Kashi and cooked khichdi (dal-rice and different vegetables) for Lord Shiva and satiated his hunger.
“Swamiji would prepare khichdi with donation from pilgrims at a pedestal raised on Dedhsi bridge at Dashaswamedh temple and serve the needy, poor and the homeless. He came to be known as Khichdi Baba,“ says Sanjay Maharaj.
He said that Makar Sankranti, also known as `Khichdi', was named after Khichdi Baba.Khichdi is a customary food item prepared on Makar Sankranti. The trend is believed to have been started by Lord Shiva.But Khichdi was introduced to Lord Shiva by Khichdi Baba and this is the reason the festival is named after him, said Sanjay, adding that the place where Khichdi Baba used to cook was given the shape of a temple and the bust of Khichdi Baba and his disciple Harihar Baba had been installed by the family.
Sharing an anecdote narrated by his father Rajendra Prasad Maharaj, Sanjay says that during the British rule, a British Army man had sent the then-Khichdi Baba to jail. That very day, the officer's family members fell ill and their condition started worsening. A local then reminded the officer of his behaviour towards Baba and the Englishman released him from jail. The next moment his family members were as fit as a fiddle.That was the power of Khichdi Baba, he says.
According to Sanjay, Bhandaras are run everyday from 7am and needy people who throng the temple are served hot khichdi prepared with as many as 10 types of vegetables including, cauliflower, brinjal, potato, tomato, bittergourd, and others.In one round, more than 200 people are fed khichdi. The count crosses 600 almost everyday, he said, adding that on Mondays and Saturdays, the count of people crosses 800 as both days belong to Baba and it is customary to eat khichdi every Saturday .