Shri Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati Temple- Maharashtra

Address

Shri Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati Temple- Lenyadri Ganapati Rd, Golegaon Taluk, Junnar, District, Pune Maharashtra 410502

Deity

Ganapati

Introduction:

• Location: The Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganapati Temple is one of the prominent Ashtavinayak Temples, situated on the northwest bank of the Kukadi River in Maharashtra.
• Name Origin: The word “Lenyadri” is derived from “Lena” in Marathi, meaning cave, and “adri” in Sanskrit, meaning mountain or stone. The temple, located in a mountain cave, is referenced in both the Ganesha Purana and the Sthala Purana.
• Architectural Marvel: The temple has no electrical lighting, yet it remains illuminated by natural sunlight throughout the day. The Sabhamandap (assembly hall) is 60 feet wide and includes 18 rooms, each measuring 7×10 feet.
• Other Names: The temple is also known as Jeerapur and Lekhan Parvat (“Lekhan Mountain”).

Puranic Significance:

• Cave Origin: The Lenyadri Temple is unique as it is the only Ganesh temple carved out of rock caves. The Pandavas, during their 13th year of exile, are said to have carved these 28 caves in one night. The Ganesh Temple occupies the seventh cave, which is partially incomplete but offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.
• Girija’s Tapascharya: According to the Puranas, Devi Parvati (Girija) performed intense penance for twelve years in one of these caves to be blessed with a son. Her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh appeared before her, thus earning the name Girijatmaj, meaning “Son of Girija (Parvati)”.
• Water Tanks: There are two water tanks in front of the temple, with similar tanks located in the 21st and 1st caves. These tanks are special because they remain filled with clean and naturally fresh water throughout the year, providing refreshment to pilgrims after the 338-step climb to the temple.

Special Features:

• Mountain Temple: Lenyadri is the only Ashtavinayak temple located on a mountain, situated within the locale of Buddhist caves, also known as Ganesh Gufa.
• Infant Lord Ganesh: In this temple, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as an infant, symbolizing his form as Girijatmaj, the son of Goddess Parvati. The deity is carved directly onto the rock, with its head turned to the left.
• Pandavas’ Contribution: Devotees believe that the Pandavas carved these caves during their exile, adding to the mystical history of the temple.
• Monolithic Structure: The temple is monolithic, meaning it was carved out of a single rock. It faces south, a feature that aligns with ancient Indian temple architecture.

Festivals:

• Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with grandeur at the Lenyadri Temple. During these festivals, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, attracting millions of devotees who come to seek Lord Ganesh’s darshan.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Lenyadri

Nearest Railway Station

Talegaon

Nearest Airport

Pune

lightuptemple