Girijatmaj (Lenyadri)

Girijatmaj of Lenyadri is the sixth Ashta Vinayaka — 'Girijatmaj' meaning 'son of the mountain-daughter Parvati'. This is the form of Ganesha in his childhood, worshipped by Parvati who is said to have performed tapas in a cave on the Lenyadri hill to obtain him as her son. The temple is unique — carved into a Buddhist cave complex (cave number 8 of 18) on a hill accessed by 307 steps. It is the only Ashta Vinayaka temple where Ganesha is worshipped in his young form, with Parvati close by. The temple receives direct sunlight through the rock formation.

Rock-cut left-trunk idol carved into the cave wall. Child form of Ganesha — smaller and simpler than the other Ashta Vinayaka forms. Faces north. The sanctum is a natural cave shaped like a hall supported by rock pillars.