Visitors to the revered Lenyadri Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple in Pune district are expressing discontent over the ₹25 entry fee imposed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the protected site. Despite nearby caves being open for free exploration, devotees are questioning the need for an entrance fee specifically for the Ganpati Temple.
Lenyadri, renowned for its 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the first and third centuries AD, includes seven caves converted into the Lenyadri Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple. As part of the eight revered Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to the Elephant God in Maharashtra, Lenyadri draws a large number of visitors, particularly during festive seasons.
Jitendra Bidwai, President of Shree Lenyadri Ashtavinayak Ganpati Devasthan Temple Trust, expressed the trust’s continuous efforts to persuade the ASI to waive the entry fee. While some maintenance work has been undertaken by the ASI, the Trust is willing to take on the responsibility of preserving the historic structure if granted permission.
Devotees, dismayed by the fee, emphasize that the facilities and maintenance do not align with the charges imposed. Concerns include broken retaining walls and staircases, inadequate lighting within the temple cave, and limited visit timings, particularly inconvenient for those arriving in the evening or at night.
Despite the Temple Trust’s proposal to waive the fee for Ganpati darshan being rejected by the central ASI office, the conversation continues. The ASI plans to address some concerns, including building a public toilet at the site as part of conservation efforts.
