Teli Ka Mandir

Madhya Pradesh , Gwalior, Bhopal

Dedicated to the divinity of Lord Vishnu, Teli ka Mandir is the oldest surviving structure within the Gwalior fort. The shrine is believed to been built in 850 AD during the reign of the Pratihara king Mihira Bhoja. Following the Revolt of 1857, the British used the temple as a soda factory. In the later years, repairs to the temple were initiated by Major Keith, an officer of the Royal Scots Regiment stationed in Gwalior.

Legend

There are many legends on how the temple got its name. One legend is that the temple was built by members of the Teli community of oil merchants during the reign of the Pratihara king Mihirabhoja from which it derived the name. It is also believed to have got its name from the Telang Brahmins who were in charge of the religious ceremonies after the fort was captured by a Rashtrakuta king in the 8th century. There is also another theroy which suggests that the shrine has been named after the Telangana region of South India.

Architecture

The architecture of Teli ka Mandir is unique in that it combines the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. It also has influences of Buddhist architecture. It has a shikara distinctive of the Dravidian style, while its base reflects Nagara style. There is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu's vehicle, Garuda at the entrance of the shrine. The temple has a rectangular plan. The doorway and the porch have carvings and inscriptions. The outer side of the temple, especially doorways and walls are carved with sculptures and figures. There are outer and inner doorways which lead to the sanctum.

Darsan Info

There is an entrance fee to the fort

Darsan Dresscode

Any comfortable dress can be worn inside the fort.

Culture

Gwalior is a major city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Rich in history and heritage it is famous for its forts including the Gwalior Fort built by the Tomar dynasty. Gwalior trade fair is a major tourist attraction.