Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi - A Hindu Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a lively holiday that honors Lord Ganesha with prayers, celebrations, and actions that are good for the environment.
A Division of Nishnai Holidays
Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri is one of the important Ganesh temples and part of Ashtavinayaka Temples. Another name of this temple is Girijatmaj, which means The son of Girija (Devi Parvati). Among the eight temples of Ashtavinakas, this is the only one on a hillock. Many people book Ashtavinayak Tour Package From Mumbai to take blessings of Bhagwan Ganesha.
As mentioned before, Girijatmaj means Girija’s (Parvati’s) Atmaj (son). Since it is located on a small hillock, it gives the pleasure of trekking to those who love walking. Lenyadri Shri Varadvinayak is in the locale of Buddhist Caves. Therefore, it is also called Ganesh Gufa. According to the Shastrokt Sequence of Ashtavinayak Yatra, this temple is the sixth one. The manifestation of Bhagwan Ganesh in this temple is in his Bala Rupa or the form of a kid. That is why it is called Girijatmaja.
It is believed that Devi Parvati performed “Tapa” here. To beget Ganesha at this point. This is a very peculiar temple where Buddhist caves and a Hindu temple coexist. The architecture of this temple is typical Buddhist. And also, the temple is not in the form of a typical Hindu temple. That is why it is believed that the history of this temple goes back to the first to third century AD. It requires 300 or more steps to reach Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri.
Shri Varadvinayak Lenyadri is situated on the North-west bank of the Kukadi River. It is in the Junnar Talika of Pune District in Maharashtra. The word Lenyadri means the hill of caves. Since it is part of the series of caves, people need to climb the hill to reach the temple. The temple's location is such that there is no need for artificial light. The sunlight always lights up the temple. There are references to this place as Jeerapur or Lekhan Parvat in the old literature.
The temperature in this region is moderate. Therefore, going there at any time of the year is convenient. The months of rain are not very convenient from the point of view of travelling or sightseeing. However, one important festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated during the rainy season, i.e., the Bhadrapada Month of the Hindu calendar. Ashtavinayak Darshan package tours are very popular in Maharashtra. Therefore, thousands of people visit Girijatmaj Temple despite heavy rains during this time. A grand celebration in the form of religious activities happens during this time.
By Road
The Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri is around 100 kilometers from the district headquarters in the Pune district. Many buses regularly travel to the temple. It includes government and privately owned buses, cars, and taxis. One can easily go there in one’s car. The road is very good and properly maintained.
By Rail
The two nearest railway stations are Pune and Talegaon. However, not all trains stop at Talegaon. Therefore, Pune is a preferable choice. It is connected to all major cities in India. Hence, it is quite convenient.
By Air
Pune Lohegaon Airport is the nearest airport. This airport is connected to all the domestic airports in India. One can go to Mumbai Airport and book the Ashtavinayak Yatra By Car.
Lenyadri Shri Varadvinayak temple opens at 5 AM and closes at 8 PM. The Panchamrit Pooja is performed at 8 AM.
However, checking and confirming the temple opening timings is advised before going there. The company will make arrangements if you are going on Ashtavinayak Tour From Pune.
The Shri Varadvinayak Lenyadri temple is carved out of a single stone hill. It is around 100 feet or 30 meters high. One has to climb 300+ steps to reach the temple. Since it is part of Buddhist caves, the terrain is a little steep.
The cave is very clean and light. It is kept clean and well-maintained. The cave is very cool and lit by natural light.
Lenyadri Ganpati temple hall is 53 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 7 feet tall. The temple features a wide hall with no supporting pillars.
The architecture of the temple is not as per the typical Hindu Temple. The place becomes quite picturesque during and after the monsoon season. There is lush greenery everywhere.
To reach the main sanctum of Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri, you must climb the stairs. Thus, it is the only temple among all eight important temples of Bhagwan Ganesha in Maharashtra, popularly called Ashtavinayaka. Two water reservoirs are in front of the temple, which are always filled with water. Since the temple is one of the Buddhist caves, the place also has historical importance. And the place is under the control of the Archeological Survey of India.
The location of Lenyadri Ganpati is very beautiful. One can enjoy the trip to Girijatmaja Temple or Lenyadri Temple.
It is said that the temple and other caves were the abode of Pandavas during their Agyatvasa (the period when they were supposed to remain hidden from others).
Also, it is believed that Mata Parvati did a “tapa” here for 12 years to have a child. That is the reason the Ganesh in the temple is seen in the form of a child.
In the temple, two important festivals are celebrated in the year.
The first is Bhadrapada Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in the Bhadrapada month (August or September). It is a grand festival when the temple is decorated, and many religious activities are performed. A lot of people come to pay their respect to Bhagwan Ganesha during this time.
Another big festival is Ganesh Jayanti in Magha Month (February or March). At this festival also, many religious activities are performed.
There is a Yatri Niwas, the place to stay for devotees, on the temple premises. The Temple Trust operates it, and good accommodation is available at nominal charges. Three hundred devotees can be accommodated, and the trust provides the bedding.
However, since the temple is conveniently located, people prefer returning to Pune after taking Darshan. The temple is covered on the second day of the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
There are no restaurants at Lenyadri. Small shops exist, but you get nothing besides tea and light snacks. There is a Yatri Niwas, where one can get food. Devotees can get meal coupons from the temple office at a nominal charge. The food is available till 1.30 PM.
However, since Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple is located on the highway, one can find many restaurants and dhabas on the way.
If you go there with Shastrokta Ashtavinayak Yatra, the tour company will take care of your meals.
The main attraction is, of course, the Lenyadri Ganpati Mandir itself. However, there are some interesting places around. For example, the Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is just 15 kilometers away. Another Ashtavinayaka temple Ozar is 15 kilometers away. Malshej Ghat and Nane Ghat are around 40 kilometers. And Bhimashankar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is around 80 kilometers from this place.
