“Holy Ganesh Mandir in an Ancient Buddhist Cave”
This temple is one of the eight Swayambhu (self existent) Ganeshas which devotees include in their holy ‘Ashtavinayak’ trip. The idol is an integral part of the stone wall of a cave. This one is also known as the ‘Girijatmaj Ganesha’. It is believed that Ganesha was born to Parvati here at Lenyadri. These caves are a set of about 30 ancient Buddhist caves dating back to between the 1st and 3rd century AD. Cave No.8 is the beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The other caves are mainly for prayer and meditation, and as monk dwellings.
These caves are set in a hillside at Lenyadri about 5 km from Junnar town and about 100 km from Pune city. The route from Pune is via Pune Nashik highway (NH50) up to Narayangaon, from where a left turn after the ST bus stand takes you to Junnar and Lenyadri. Rickshaws, Jeeps and buses can be hired from Junnar to the foothills. As you approach Lenyadri you will be greeted by the beautiful hill range on which these rock cut caves are clearly visible from a distance. During monsoons the hill may be shrouded in a blanket of clouds.
You have to climb more than 300 steep steps to reach up to the caves. For the old and unfit palki services can be hired for Rs.700 to carry you up from the bottom of the hill. Holy offerings are available at the shops lining the entrance at the foothill. There are some snack stalls as well as some shops where you can buy local raisins and other rural produce at wholesale rates. There is an entry fee of Rs.10 per vehicle and ample parking space at the foothill.
The Girijatmaj Ganesh Mandir is a must visit for the devotees of Lord Ganesha, as well as for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The view of the River Kukadi, green fields and hills around are indeed mesmerising.
These caves are set in a hillside at Lenyadri about 5 km from Junnar town and about 100 km from Pune city. The route from Pune is via Pune Nashik highway (NH50) up to Narayangaon, from where a left turn after the ST bus stand takes you to Junnar and Lenyadri. Rickshaws, Jeeps and buses can be hired from Junnar to the foothills. As you approach Lenyadri you will be greeted by the beautiful hill range on which these rock cut caves are clearly visible from a distance. During monsoons the hill may be shrouded in a blanket of clouds.
You have to climb more than 300 steep steps to reach up to the caves. For the old and unfit palki services can be hired for Rs.700 to carry you up from the bottom of the hill. Holy offerings are available at the shops lining the entrance at the foothill. There are some snack stalls as well as some shops where you can buy local raisins and other rural produce at wholesale rates. There is an entry fee of Rs.10 per vehicle and ample parking space at the foothill.
The Girijatmaj Ganesh Mandir is a must visit for the devotees of Lord Ganesha, as well as for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The view of the River Kukadi, green fields and hills around are indeed mesmerising.
Ask EkMusafir about Shri Girijatmaj Temple
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
