Prasanna Shree Girijatmaj of Lenyadri, Golegaon, Junnar, t. Pune

The ancient city of Jirnanagari, with a history dating back to before the start of the Common Era, is known today as Junnar. It was the capital of the Shaka Kshatrapas, the political rivals of the Satavahanas. Today, this city and the nearby Shivneri Fort are renowned as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There are 207 caves in the vicinity of this city, and one hill is specifically known as the hill of caves—this is Lenyadri. Located about seven kilometers from Junnar, Lenyadri is home to one of the unique Ashtavinayaka Ganapatis.

This Vinayaka is named ‘Girijatmaj’. It is said that Goddess Parvati performed penance in the mountains of Lenyadri to be blessed with a son. To focus her mind, she created an idol of clay and worshipped it. As a fruit of Parvati’s singular devotion, Shri Vinayaka manifested on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. This is the legend of Girijatmaj. Puranic lore states that Ganapati resided here for 15 years in his Girijatmaj avatar and destroyed many demons during this period.

The path to Lenyadri is near Golegaon on the Junnar-Otur road. After traveling about two and a half kilometers through lush green vineyards, one reaches the Lenyadri hill. Atop the hill is the Ganesh temple, also known as Ganesh Guha or Ganesh Leni. One must climb about 300 steep stone steps to reach the temple for darshan. There are 28 viharas (monastic cells) on the east and west sides of the temple, as well as 15 water cisterns. In a cave beside the temple, there is a Buddhist stupa carved from a single rock. After climbing a few more steps, one enters a grand assembly hall (sabhamandap). This hall, carved directly into the rock, is truly unique. It is 51 feet wide and 57 feet long, and this spacious hall stands without the support of a single pillar. The atmosphere inside remains pleasantly cool. The sanctum sanctorum (gabhara) faces south, but the idol faces north. Consequently, devotees worship the back of the Ganesh idol, and it is not possible to perform a circumambulation (pradakshina) around it. There are idols of Hanuman and Shankara to the left and right of the main deity.

The temple is always bustling with devotees. A Panchamrit Puja is performed every morning. During the month of Bhadrapada, Ganesh Utsav is celebrated here with great enthusiasm and devotion. The Junnar region is also known for its extensive flower cultivation, and thus, the temple is decorated attractively with flowers during the festival. The ‘Dev Janmakirtan’ (celebration of the divine birth) is a special event during this festival. On the day of Ganesh Sthapana, a kirtan depicting the birth of the Lord is held at 10:00 AM, attended by thousands of devotees. During the Ganesh Utsav, bullock cart races are also organized. A major festival is also celebrated in the month of Magh, from Magh Pratipada to Shashthi, during which an Akhand Harinam Saptah is organized.

Before climbing the temple steps, there is an Archaeological Department office where one must purchase a ticket. For devotees who are elderly or unable to climb the steps for other reasons, a paid palanquin (doli) service is available. At the foot of the hill, there are shops selling flower garlands and Ganesh idols, as well as facilities for refreshments. The villagers have also constructed a Bhaktanivas (pilgrim guesthouse) equipped with all necessary amenities, where accommodation is available.

This temple, which has received ISO certification, has been declared a monument of national importance. The daily schedule includes Shri’s puja at 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM, and aarti at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:30 PM. The Shejarti (night aarti) is held at 8:30 PM. Devotees can have darshan of Girijatmaj from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The temple trust also provides Mahaprasad (meals) to devotees in the dining hall during the afternoon and at night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery