Girijatmaj Temple is situated on the Lenyadri Hill in Pune District of Maharashtra and this is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples which are dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple stands out because it is hewn from a single rock which is within the Buddhist caves on the hills, and the aura of mysticism is felt. Temples particularly of goddess Parvati are known to suggest that Parvati chose to meditate here and has Lord Ganesha for her own son. In order to get to this place of tranquility and devotion, pilgrims have to climb 300 steps as the temple has been built on the hilltop and the views of the stunning scenery of the valley can be seen from the top.

Story of the Temple:

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance at Lenyadri to be blessed with Lord Ganesha as her son. After years of meditation and devotion, Lord Ganesha was born to her, fulfilling her wishes. Hence, the temple is named “Girijatmaj” – the one born from Girija (another name for Parvati). This temple signifies the spiritual connection between a mother’s devotion and the divine grace of Lord Ganesha.

Architectural Significance:

The Girijatmaj Temple is carved out of a single rock and is part of a larger Buddhist cave complex. It is located in Cave 7 of the Lenyadri caves, which is believed to have originally been a Buddhist monastery.

Rock-Cut Architecture: The temple is entirely rock-cut and has no separate structures. It stands as a stunning example of ancient Indian rock architecture, dating back to the 1st century AD.

Monolithic Design: The temple is unique in that the entire shrine, including the idol, is carved out of a single monolithic rock face.

Steps and Location: The temple is situated atop a hill and requires devotees to climb around 300 steps to reach the shrine. The elevation offers a scenic view of the surrounding countryside, making it spiritually and visually uplifting.

The combination of ancient rock-carved architecture, natural surroundings, and spiritual significance makes the Girijatmaj Temple a unique destination among the Ashtavinayak temples.

Contact Details:

Phone: +91-2132-276711 (Local Tourist Office)

Email: info@lenyadritemples.org 

Parking charges 

At the Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak Temple in Lenyadri, there is a designated parking area for visitors. The parking charges typically range from ₹20 to ₹50 for two-wheelers and ₹50 to ₹100 for four-wheelers, depending on the season and local regulations

Entry Fees:

Temple Entry: Free of cost.

Camera Fees: Nominal charges may apply for photography within the temple premises.

Location and How to Reach:

Location: Lenyadri Hill, Junnar Taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India.

By Road: Girijatmaj Temple is approximately 95 km from Pune and 5 km from Junnar town. You can take a bus or taxi from Pune to Junnar, and from there, local transport or a short trek will take you to Lenyadri Hill.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Pune Junction, about 95 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Junnar.

By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 100 km from the temple.

Special Privileges:

Devotees can participate in special poojas and aartis conducted daily.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple offers special darshan and pooja services, attracting large numbers of pilgrims.

The temple administration offers prasad and devotional items for purchase at nominal rates.

 Donation facilities 

Devotees can donate in cash or kind, and there are options to sponsor specific poojas, events, or maintenance activities. Some devotees also offer donations for abhishek, aarti, or other special rituals conducted at the temple.

Accommodation Facilities:

There are not many options when it comes to lodges and budget stay in the vicinity of the temple; some guest houses and dharamshalas are available in Junnar town.

For better accommodation, the travellers can find hotels and lodges in Pune, or Narayangaon if they intend to spend time exploring nature.

Nearby Attractions:

Shivneri Fort: The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located about 8 km from Lenyadri.
Ozar Vigneshwara Temple: Another Ashtavinayak temple located about 15 km away.
Junnar Caves: A series of ancient rock-cut caves near the temple.
Naneghat: A popular trekking destination with historical significance, around 30 km from the temple.

Common FAQs:

What is the best time to visit Girijatmaj Temple?

The best time to visit is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant. Ganesh Chaturthi is also a popular time for visiting.

Is there any specific dress code for visiting the temple?

While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to wear modest and traditional clothing out of respect for the religious site.

How long does it take to climb the steps to the temple?

It typically takes 30-45 minutes to climb the 300 steps, depending on your pace.

Are there any food facilities available near the temple?

There are small eateries and stalls near the temple offering snacks and beverages. For full meals, it’s advisable to visit nearby towns like Junnar.

Is it safe to visit the temple with children and elderly people?

Yes, but it’s important to consider the physical ability of elderly visitors due to the steep climb. Carrying water and resting during the climb is advisable.

This temple is one of the most ancient and god-centered place, so everyone, who enters it, becomes spiritual for some time.