Sunday, 14 February 2021

Visit to Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple, Lenyadri

Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak Temple is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain, the name 'Lenyadri means 'mountain cave'.
Lenyadri Ganpati is the sixth Lord Ganesha to be visited on the Ashtavinayak Mandir Pilgrimage, Girijatmaj, meaning son(Atamaj) of Girija(Parvati).
Lenyadri Hill


Girijatmaj, Lenyadri



Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak is in Pune District, Pune-Lenyadri distance is 96 km and can be reached in 3 hours by car. 

Route followed by a us is - Pune - Chakan - Narayangaon - Junnar -Lendyadri

 As it was going to be a mountain climb, it was decided to reach there by 9am and therefore we left the house around 6.30 in the morning. After having a quick stop for tea near Chakan we reached Lenyadri around 9.30 am and immediately began to climb the stairs.

The temple is carved out of a single stone hill, which has 300+ steps. The steps are bit steep and high. The Palkhi or Doli (human carriage) service also offered 1000 INR per person to the needy people till the top, that is one of the source of employment to locals. It is recommended to have water bottle while going up.

The stairs are lined up by monkeys who are there to snatch anything and everything from your hands.

It took us 30 minutes to reach the top. Upon reaching the foothills of the mountain you will notice a series of caves. Girijatmaj Ganpati is in the cave and are called Ganesh-leni as well.
This cave is very cool in every weather and it is very clean. The temple is constructed such that during the day it is always lighted up by the sun-rays!



This was my third visit to the place; last time it was in monsoon and outside the caves cool water falling from the mountain. After the rainy season the caves looking very beautiful and green mountain. The temple features a wide hall with no supporting pillars. The location is well maintained. You will get a very amazing view from the top, one can just keep looking up and be lost in the vista.


The place looks really eye-catching during monsoon season and ask us to be there for long. This holy place is encircled by a series of hills on all sides, and Shivneri Fort can also be adored from this place.

After spending 2 hours at the top we came down, sat there to catch our breath and reenergized ourselves with much needed kokum sarbat and nimbu paani.

To save time we had eaten dry snacks in the breakfast while travelling but now we were very hungry and decided to have lunch at Narayangaon as our favorite dish is Maswadi Thali.

I had read the reviews of Hotel Krupasagar and since then I have wanted to dine there. The hotel looks very simple. At first glance, one cannot imagine that he will get such a delicious meal there. But trust me the taste is really good; if you near to Narayangaon the definitely try this hotel once.

Maswadi Thali

After fully satisfied with our stomachs, we headed towards Pune and reached home @ 5pm.

Best time to visit is during monsoon. One of the most ancient attractive place, very silent and peaceful.


Highlights - 
Trip duration - 1 day (6 February 2021)
Distance travelled - 220Km
Budget - 4K

Contacts - 

1. Krupasagar Uphargruh, Narayangaon. 




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