SHREE GIRJATMAJ VINAYAKA – LENYADRI

Mayasa Bhuvaneshwari Shivsati Dehashrita Sundary |
Vighnesham Sutmaptukam Sanhita Kurvetapo Dushkaram ||
Takhya Bhutprakat Prasanna vardo Tishataya Sthapitam |
Vandeh Girijatmaj Parmaj Tam Lekhanadristhitam ||5||

Meaning: Mother of universe, beautiful wife of Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati Performed long Penance of Shri Ganesh & at last obtained Shree Ganesh as her son. I salute Girija Parvati’s son Girijatmaj who stay on mountain Lekhanadri (i.e. Lenyadri).

Lenyadri is the only place among Ashtavinayaka places, which is situated on mountain & in the vicinity of the buddhist caves.

SHREE GIRIJATMAJA’S IDOL

Girijatmaja’s idol faces east. Parvati consecrated Ganesh idol in the cave wherein she had performed penances.

Idol here is not a separate & distinct one. It has been carved on a stone wall of the cave. Previously idol was covered with armour. Noe, since the Armour ia fallen Girijatmaj’s idol with neck turned to left side can be seen. As such only one eye of the idol can be seen.

In this small sanctum anybody can perform Girijatmaj’s pooja on its own.

TEMPLE OF SHREE GIRIJATMAJ

Out of 18 Buddhist caves on mountain, Girijatmaj Vinayak’s temple is in the eight cave. These caves are also called as Ganesh Caves. The temple is reached after climbing 307 steps. The entire temple is carved out of single stone & is facing south. In front of main Mandir, there is huge Sabhamandap (Hall) which is nearly 53 feet long & 51 feet broad & to your surprise there is not a singlr pillar in this Sabhamandap. It has 18 small apartments for meditation. Shree Girijatmaja’s idol is placed in the middle apartment.

Sabhamandap of main temple is only 7 feet high. It has six stone pillars with cow, elephant etc. carved on them. From the main temple one can view river flowing & the Junnar town spread near the river.