Shri Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati is the only Ganesh Temple which is carved in caves. Lenyadri carries an ancient myth which says that when the great Pandavas were living in agyatvas during their 13th year of exile, they sculptured these caves in just one night. There are 28 caves here, stretching from east to west. The temple occupies the complete 7th cave which gives a broad look to the temple. It is said that in this particular cave Devi Parvati performed tapascharya for twelve long years for the gain of a son. After this long tapascharya, Lord Ganesh himself came before her.
The name of the idol ‘Girijatmaj’ comes as ‘Girija’ meaning Devi Parvati and ‘Aatmaj’ meaning Son. The caves meaning ‘Leni’ in Marathi derive the name Lenyadri to the caves. So the name ‘Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati’. The temple faces the southern direction. In front of the temple rest two water tanks. Similarly, 21st first cave also houses a water tank. The speciality of these tanks is that they have water in them throughout the year. Also the water is clean and is naturally cool. The waters satisfy every thirsty pilgrim who climbs 338 stairs to reach the caved temple.
In front of the huge entry gates of Shri Girijatmaj Ganesh temple are enormous pillars with pictures of elephants horses lions nd various other animals carved on them. Similarly there are pillars with different carvings in front of every other cave. The Sabhamandap of the temple is 60 feet wide with exactly 18 rooms of 7×10 feet2 area. These rooms, it is said, were used by saints for tapascharya. The neighbouring 6th cave and 14th cave have Buddha-pillars in them commonly known as Bouddha-Stupa. These caves are made into shape of hemisphere interiorly. That is why, echoes can be easily heard. That is why, these Stupas are also referred as the ‘Gol-Ghumat’s. The caves have carved pillars also alongwith the Stupas.
The Sabhamandap of Shri Girijatmaj Ganesh temple is 60 feet wide. The speciality of this Sabhamandap is that it is not supported by any pillar. It is in the form of a very large room. Outside the Gabhara (sanctum) of the temple rest carved pillars. The sanctorum (Garbhagraha) of the temple show-offs a wide range of astonishing art in the form of devotional paintings of Shri Guru Dattatray, Lord ganesh resting on Shiv-Parvati’s lap, Bal Ganesh playing ancient game like ludo made using natural colours.
