Gwalior is one of the important destinations of the country and is replete with beautiful places. Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior is one of the favored destinations in the city of Gwalior. It is the tallest and the most impressive temple in the Gwalior Fort. It is an amalgamation of northern and southern architectural styles. Situated in the city of Gwalior, Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior has a special position in the tourism map of the country.
About Teli Ka Mandir Gwalior :
Teli ka Mandir of Gwalior or Temple of Teli of Gwalior is credited to be the oldest shrine of the ancient city of Gwalior. The origin of the primal shrine dates far back 8th or 9th century AD when Adivaraha Mihir Bhoj of Kannauj ruled over the control of Central India.
The extraordinary temple is constructed inside the fortification of the spectacular Gwalior Fort. The temple’s architecture, design and layout are rather interesting and depict the consummate skill and expertise of the ancient craftsmen and architects. The temple in Gwalior represents a roundish barrel or a shikhar and presents a stunning sight. There are many views regarding the construction of this old shrine in Gwalior city. Some claim that it was constructed under the generous patronage of an oil merchant while others attribute it to a work of experts of fine arts hailed from South India to the Gwalior. But the authenticity of these claims are questionable.
However, the age-old Teli ka Mandir in Gwalior that dates back from medieval age is one of the matchless shrines of Central India that attracts myriads of tourists on a tour to Gwalior city.
The term “Teli Ka Mandir” :
“Teli Ka Mandir” sounds as an unusual term, but it has several theories behind its name. According to one of the legends, Rashtrakuta Govinda III seized the Gwalior Fort in 794. He handled the service of religious ceremonies and rituals to Telang Brahmins and as a result of this, the temple acquired its name. Another legend says that oil merchants or the men of Teli Caste took the initiative of temple’s construction. Due to it, the temple got its name. The third speculation reveals that name is linked with Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. This revelation also approves with the synthesis of Dravidian and North Indian architectural styles.
History of Teli Ka Mandir Gwalior :
Teli Ka Mandir is actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Garuda form, this Mount of Lord Vishnu is the main attraction of the temple, elevating the height of 100 feet, stood as the tallest and most stunning thing in Fort campus. Their are many legends associated with its name. One story says, as it was made from donation of a Oil merchant who locally called Teli, given its name Teli’s Temple. Second story says as it was built form princes from Telengana (region in South India) it is called Teli Ka Mandir. Another story says, “Teli Ka Mandir” term came as this Rajput Temple according to some legends, Rashtrakuta Govinda III conquered the Fort in 794. He then handled the rites of religious ceremonies and rituals to Telang Brahmins and so it is considered that this temple from the word ‘Telang’ acquired this tag. It could be bit unusual to the visitors coming here from abroad. Another tale states that the oil merchants or to say men of Teli caste constructed the temple. One solid speculation is that this temple could be connected to the ‘Telangana’ region of Andhra Pradesh, consolidate the fact that the Dravidian and north Indian style of this temple matches from Andhra region. During British time, it was used as a Soda factory and coffee shop later all these activities get prohibited in that part of Fort.
Architecture of Teli Ka Mandir Gwalior :
The architecture of “Teli ka Temple” (oilman’s temple) is a blend of north Indian Nagara style which specified North India & South Indian Dravidian style as the spire of this temple akin to this style. Unlike to other temple this Rajputana Temple doesn’t possess with any pillared hall, except to one sanctum with a porch and doorway. The doorway and the porch has some carvings with some statements imprinted over them, this place had been the ancient seat of Jain worship, also known as `pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind`.
The outer side of the temple, especially doorways and walls carved with amorous couples, coiled serpents, god and goddesses, one figure of flying Garuda can be seen on the central position on the doorways. The most miraculous thing which visitors those come here from across the world want to see and that is the fusion of southern & northern Indian architecture style. The tower has about 100 feet height, and Indo-Aryan architecture resembles as it is a Vishnu Temple. The decoration of this temple is in the Nagara style, which addresses a well known North Indian style. One more special thing is the chariot of lord Vishnu which is on the outer side of the wall. Just north of the Teli-ka-Mandir, the Suraj Kund is the 100 metre long tank whose sacred waters are supposed to have cured the 10th century ruler Suraj Sen, later Suraj Pal, of leprosy. This temple is said to have constructed in the mid-eighth century, it has a huge rectangular sanctum capped with an unusual vaulted-arch roof in a peepal-tree-leaf shape.
Other Attractions:
Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir, The Sas-Bahu temples, The Chhatris, Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, Jai Vilas Palace, Surya Mandir (the replica of the Puri Sun Temple).
How to reach:
By Air: India Airlines flights connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai thrice a week.
By Rail: Gwalior is on the Central Railway’s main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines.
By Road: Gwalior is connected by regular bus service with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi. One can easily reach Teli Ka Mandir by taking local Buses, Autos or by hiring Taxis from Gwalior.
Deities: Lord Vishnu
Location: In the complex of Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
Built in: 11th century
Also known as: Oil man’s temple
Significance: An Ancient Temple
Highlights: Fusion of Southern and Northern architectural styles of India
Best time to visit: July to March