Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples located on the northwest bank of the Kukadi River. The current name “Lenyadri means” mountain cave “. It is derived from “Lena” in Marathi which means “cave” and “adri” in Sanskrit which means “mountain” or “stone”. The name “Lenyadri” appears in the Hindu script Ganesha Purana, as well as in a Sthala Purana, in association with the legend of Ganesha. Also called Jeerapur and Lekhan parvat (“Lekhan Mountain”). There is no electricity in the temple. The temple is constructed in such a way that during the day it is always illuminated by the sun-rays!
In front of the huge entry gates of Shri, Girijatmaj Ganesh temple are enormous pillars with pictures of elephants horses lions and various other animals carved on them. Similarly, there are pillars with different carvings in front of every other cave. The Sabhamandap of the temple is 60 feet wide with exactly 18 rooms of 7×10 feet2 area. These rooms, it is said, were used by saints for tapascharya. The neighboring 6th cave and 14th cave have Buddha-pillars in them commonly known as Bouddha-Stupa. These caves are made into the shape of a hemisphere interiorly. That is why echoes can be easily heard. That is why these Stupas are also referred as the ‘Gol-Ghumat’s. The caves have carved pillars also along with the Stupas.
The Sabhamandap of Shri Girijatmaj Ganesh temple is 60 feet wide. The specialty of this Sabhamandap is that it is not supported by any pillar. It is in the form of a very large room. Outside the Gabhara (sanctum) of the temple rest carved pillars. The Sanctorum (Garbhagraha) of the temple show-offs a wide range of astonishing art in the form of devotional paintings of Shri Guru Dattatray, Lord Ganesh resting on Shiv-Parvati’s lap, Bal Ganesh playing an ancient games like ludo made using natural colors.
It was rumored earlier that the idol is being worshipped at the back. But it is not so. In fact, the early times the idol used to be worshipped by everyone individually. The application of oil and shendur. With passing time, the cluster of the shendur fell off and the real idol shape was once again to be seen. This explains the false rumor. The idol of Lord Ganesh has gems as its eyes. The trunk of Lord Ganesh is towards the left side.
The tank outside the temple has cool waters throughout the year. Similarly, there is a water tank in the 21st cave. The actual view of every cave remains a mystery for pilgrims because of the difficult rocky path. Daily, pilgrims climb a rocky staircase of 338 stairs to receive Lord Ganesh’s blessings. It is said that these stairs were built by pilgrims to fulfill the promise done to God in a sequence of 5,7,11,21…
The earlier stairs are a bit higher to climb. As these stairs cannot be climbed by elders and disabled people, the arrangement of human carriages ‘palkhi’ is done. This service has provided employment to locals. Also, this arrangement has made the darshan possible for everyone.
The temple and the neighboring caves are in possession of The Archaeology Department of India. Hence it’s not possible to make any changes or developments in the structure without the consent of the concerned department. This temple is preserved as it was carved in the early times.
The Archaeology Department of India is in charge of all caves including the temple. That is why they collect a min amount for darshan from the pilgrims. Although the Devasthan Trust performs daily aartis and abhisheks, the trust has no relation with the darshan charges.
Lenyadri Sri Girijatmaj Temple Timing:
7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all Days
Note:
A minimal amount is collected as an Entry Fee to enter lenyadri Caves for one Person.
Palakhi’s are available to reach Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple. It takes 30 min to climb the hill temple.
There are 338 steps and will take 20 to 35 min to reach Ganpati Temple.
Meaning of Girijatmaj – Girija means Parvati and Atmaj means son.
Photography is not allowed in Lenyadri Sri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple.
Paid Vehicle Parking is available near the temple.
The nearest Cities are Pune, Narayangaon, Nasik
The nearest Places are Shivneri Fort, lenyadri Caves, Ozar Ganesha, Malshej Ghat, Naneghat, Bhimashankar.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple History:
Sri Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati is the only Ganesh temple carved out of caves. Lenyadri tells an ancient story that when the great Pandavas lived in agyatvas during their thirteenth year, they curved these caves in one night. There are 28 caves, stretching from east to west. The Ganesh temple occupies the seventh complete cave which gives a wide view of the temple. Puranas says that Devi Parvati is said to have practiced tapascharya for twelve long years to obtain a son in this cave. After the long tapascharya, Lord Ganesh himself came before her.
The meaning of Girijatmaj is “Girija” which means Devi Parvati and “Aatmaj” means Son. The caves meaning “Leni” in Marathi derive the name of Lenyadri from the caves. Hence the temple is known as “Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati”. The temple faces south. Two water tanks rest in front of the temple. Similarly, the 21st and the first caves also house a water tank. The specialty of these tanks are that they have water all around the year. In addition, the water is clean and naturally fresh. The waters satisfy every thirsty pilgrim who climbs 338 steps to reach the excavated temple.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple Festivals :
The temple celebrates the usual festivals associated with Ganesha: Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi. At the time of Ganesh Jayanti, the temple was decorated with flowers and lightings. Millions of people visit here for Ganesh Darshan in Ganesh Jayanti. In addition, a five-day festival that begins at Kartik Poornima is also celebrated when the Deepamalas are lit. During Ganesh Jayati events or days, many small shops are opened for shopping and to sell sweet Prashad (Pedha) of Ganesha.
A good place to go out with family or friends. The location is well maintained. You will have a very good view from the top. The best time to visit is during the monsoon. One of the oldest and most attractive places. Very quiet and clean peaceful place to go for a picnic.
How to Reach Girijatmaj Temple:
By Air:
Pune International Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport are the nearest Airports to Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple.
By Rail:
Talegaon, Pune and Mumbai railway station are the nearest railway stations to Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple.
By Road:
Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak is in the Pune district. The distance from Ozar Vighneshwara Ganpati to Lenyadri Temple is 15.1 km. The distance from Pune to Lenyadri is 114 km on the NH60 motorway. There are many buses that travel regularly from Ozar Vigneshwara temple to Lenyadri.
Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Address:
Lenyadri Ganpati Road,
At Post Golegaon,
Taluka Junnar,
District Pune,
Maharashtra – 410502.
Phone/Mobile No.: 08600073925/09881058665
Distance to Other Ashta Vinayaka Temples:
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple to Ozar Vigneshwar Temple 15.1 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple to Ranjangoan Mahaganapati Temple 78.5 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple to Theur Shree Chintamani Vinayaka Temple 109 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple to Siddhatek Shree Siddhivinayak Temple 180 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple to Morgaon Shri Mayureshwar 152 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple to Pali Ballaleshwar 177 km.
Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple to Mahad Sri Varad Vinayak Temple 142 km.