About Girijatmaj Temple
The Girijatmaj Temple is set inside a rock-cut cave on the Lenyadri hill, about 5 km from Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra. It is the sixth stop of the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which starts at Morgaon and goes on to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon before returning to Morgaon. It is the only Ashtavinayak shrine located on a hill and in a cave, and reaching it involves a climb of roughly 300 stone steps.
The name Girijatmaj means "son of Girija", that is, son of Parvati. According to the Ganesha Purana, Parvati performed penance in these caves to have Ganesha as her son, and tradition says Ganesha lived here as a child. The cave complex itself is much older than the temple use: Lenyadri is a group of about thirty Buddhist rock-cut caves, generally dated by historians between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE. The Ganesha shrine occupies one of the larger caves, known as Cave 7, which was originally a Buddhist vihara. The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
After the climb, visitors enter a large hall cut into the rock, with small cells along its sides, all hewn from a single mass of stone without pillars inside the main hall. The Ganesha image is carved on the back wall and is not a separate free-standing murti; it faces north, and the face is not clearly visible, as it is covered with vermilion. From the cave there are wide views of the Kukadi valley and the surrounding Sahyadri hills, including the Shivneri fort.
Girijatmaj Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, as the site is a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 8:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Before closing, late afternoon (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Girijatmaj Temple
By air
Pune International Airport is about 95 km away.
By train
Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station, about 95 km away.
By road
Lenyadri is about 5 km from Junnar, which is linked by state buses to Pune and Mumbai. From the parking area at the foot of the hill, the shrine is reached on foot by the steps.
Festivals at Girijatmaj Temple
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Sankashti ChaturthiMonthly
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing that is comfortable for climbing. Wear footwear you can easily walk up steps in; it is removed near the shrine.
- Entry
- ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors).
- The climb of about 300 steps takes 20 to 40 minutes; elderly visitors can hire a palanquin (doli) at the foot of the hill, where available.
- Carry water, but do not leave plastic on the hill. Monkeys are common, so keep food out of sight.
- Reach early, as the site closes in the evening and the climb is hard in afternoon heat.
- Combine the visit with Ozar and Shivneri fort on the same day.
- Take care on the steps in the monsoon, when they can be wet and slippery.
Places to visit near Girijatmaj Temple
- Shivneri FortBirthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, about 6 km away
- JunnarHistoric town with food and stay options, about 5 km away
- Vighneshwar Temple, OzarSeventh Ashtavinayak shrine, about 15 km away
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there at Lenyadri?
The climb to the Girijatmaj cave is roughly 300 steps. It usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, with places to rest on the way.
Is Lenyadri a Buddhist cave?
Yes. Lenyadri is a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, and the Ganesha shrine is housed in one of them, Cave 7.
Is there an entry fee at Lenyadri?
Yes. The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and has an entry ticket, with separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors.
What are the Lenyadri timings?
The site is usually open from about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
What does Girijatmaj mean?
Girijatmaj means son of Girija, or Parvati. Tradition says Parvati did penance here to have Ganesha as her son.
What is the aarti time at Girijatmaj Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 8:00 AM (approx.); Evening aarti: Before closing, late afternoon (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Girijatmaj Temple?
Modest clothing that is comfortable for climbing. Wear footwear you can easily walk up steps in; it is removed near the shrine.
How to reach Girijatmaj Temple?
By air: Pune International Airport is about 95 km away. By train: Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station, about 95 km away. By road: Lenyadri is about 5 km from Junnar, which is linked by state buses to Pune and Mumbai. From the parking area at the foot of the hill, the shrine is reached on foot by the steps.
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