"Girija" is another name for Parvati, mother of Ganesha, and "atmaj" means son. In the cave where this temple exists, a lonely Parvati undertook a long, severe penance to fulfill her desire for a child. Her wish was granted when, on the fourth day of Bhadrapad (August-September), Parvati wiped dirt off her body and with it, created an idol into which she invoked Ganesha.
Lenyadri Mountain, some distance from the town of Narayangaon (Maharashtra, North India), has a clutch of Buddhist caves, the eighth of which is the Girijatmaj temple. The temple is carved out of a monolithic rock and has no supporting pillars. This Ashtavinayak shrine does not have an idol; rather the god is a fresco carved on rock with somewhat indistinguishable features. Unlike the practice in most temples, worshippers can enter right into the sanctum sanctorum and offer prayers. The temple is reached by climbing 307 steps up the mountain. Aged or infirm pilgrims can reach the top by palanquin.
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