Shri Girijatmaj Ganapati Temple, Lenyadri, Junnar, Maharashtra

girijatmak ashtavinayak LenyadriSituated alongside the river Kukdi, the Girijatmaj temple at Lenyadri is famous as an Ashta Vinayak shrine. Interestingly the Lord here faces the north and the idol is actually a mural on the cave’s wall. The shrine lies in the eighth of the 18 ancient Buddhist caves atop the mountain and is the only one of its kind in the framework of Ashta Vinayak shrines. The Lord here is worshipped as Goddess Parvathi’s son as the name Girija is a manifestation of Goddess Parvathi.  The temple’s design allows the Sun’s rays to light up the cave during the day.

History
The antiquity of the temple may be inferred from the origins of these caves.

Legends
Legend has it that Goddess Parvathi after a rigorous penance obtained the boon to become the mother of Lord Ganesha. Goddess Parvathi created an idol into which as promised the Lord manifested as Ganesha and fulfilled the Goddess’s wish. The day on which Lord Ganesha was born is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturdhi and in one of the most important festivals in the country.

Festivals
Bhadrapada( August/September) and Magha(January/February) Sudha Chaturdhi are celebrated with pomp and special rituals.

Places of Interest
Ashta Vinayak shrines are a popular pilgrimage and all of the shrines fall within a 200-mile radius. Lenyadri itself is an ancient Buddhist center and so is a popular tourist attraction. The nearby Shivneri fort is also a major attraction.

Accommodation
There is limited accommodation available in the form of Yatri Niwas run by the temple authorities. Apart from it one can consider the option of staying at Pune, which offers a wide choice.

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