Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri

Significance

Girijatmaj is the sixth temple of the Ashtavinayak circuit and the only one in a cave. The name means “son of Girija”, that is, of Parvati: regional tradition holds that this is where Parvati wished to become a mother and where Ganesha was born.

History and legend

Lenyadri is a group of about 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. At an unknown later date, two central cells of Cave 7, a Buddhist monastery hall, were taken over for the worship of Ganesha; the hall now serves as the temple’s assembly hall.

The 283 steps leading up to the cave were built by devotees, and are said to stand for the worldly pleasures that Ganesha overcame.

Before you go

• The climb is steep in places; allow time, and carry water.
• Ozar, the seventh Ashtavinayak temple, is nearby and usually visited on the same day.
• Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji, is close to Junnar.