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Maharashtra Ganapati Mandir Lenyadri
Ganpati Temple in lenyadri is one cave which out of 30 rock cut caves located in the Lenyadri town of Pune district of Maharashtra. All the caves of this series bong to Buddhism except cave No 7. All the caves of the area are numbered in a sequence and facing towards south. In this series, water cisterns made of rock, have also been made. Construction date of these caves is not determined but according to the historians, these caves were constructed in 1st and 3rd century AD. All caves are concerned with Hinayana sampraday of Buddhism. The name of the area derived from its literal meaning i.e. “Mountain Caves”. In Sanskrit language, “Adri” is called to mountain and in Marathi language, Lena is said to Caves. Though the exact date when the cave No 7 was changed into a Hindu shrine is not exactly known. Another name of this hill is “Suleman Pahar”. Ganesh Pahar is also the other name. Geographical coordinates of these caves are between 19°14′34″N73°53′8″E. Location of these caves is actually like ‘No man’s Land’ between the two countries. This isolated area is far away from the Junnar town approximately 5 kilometers. River Kukadi banks this cave series.
Architecture
Architecture of these caves is rock cut and the touch given is marvelous. Cave NO 7 is the Ganpati Temple. The hall of the temple is pillar less and has amazing rock cut architecture. Having more the 20 meters width and 12 meter length, the hall is still standing without any pillar in mid. Various caves are multistoried and pillar have been placed beneath the roof are amazing. Thickness, stone discs at upper portion of the pillars and sharpening of the floor are some of the brilliant features of the architecture. One of the caves of this series has amazing architecture. A large central hall is provided with the support of a number of rock pillars having a dome over it with finest carving on rock ever seen. Jali work with hanging stone ropes is the most amazing example of the architecture of that era. In various places of the hills, caves have been made with the pillar having sitting lions on upper portion. In a cave a large bull is displayed sitting over the pillar. Water cistern is another feature of this architecture. Ganesha Temple cave has the amazing central hall having sufficient height and ventilation provisions. Finishing of the ceiling shows the excellent constructional capability in the artisans of that era.
How to Reach
This place can be visited through various type of transportation.
By Air
Pune is the nearest airport located at 94 kilometers from Pune. Frequent and easy transportation is available from airport to this temple.
By Rail
Pune is the nearest railway station.BEST buses and taxies are available from railway station to the caves. Distance of the railway station is 92 kilometers from the temple.
By Road
Shivaji Nagar and Junnar are the nearest bus stands. BEST buses, Jeeps, Auto rickshaws and cars are available on affordable charges from these stations to the caves location. From Junnar Bus station the Temple location is at 5 kilometers.
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