• Location- In the Gwalior fort Complex, Gwalior

• State- Madhya Pradesh

• Also known- Oilman’s temple

• Significance- Ancient Hindu temple

• Architecture- confluence of northern and southern styles of temple architecture (Nagara & Dravidian)

• Dedicated- Lord Vishnu

• Principal Feats celebrated-

• Timings- 07:00 am to 06:00 pm

• Best time to visit- All throughout the year

Teli Ka Mandir of the Gwalior Fort complex is undoubtedly an architectural marvel. Elevated to height of 100 feet this temple is tallest place of worship. The highlight of this temple is that it combines a both northern and southern architectural style which is seemingly uncommon in temples in north India. But these elements formed together makes this 11^th century Oilman’s complex an architectural wonder is fitting lexicon of temple architecture that is both pristine and awe inspiring. The temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu is fashioned in the form of his own mount Garuda.

The term Teli ka Mandir

One of the oldest temples in India, the Teli ka Mandir is quite a usual name for a temple. There are quite a few reasons or theories that purport or try to draw light on the reasons for this name. One such legend is that oil merchants or men of the Teli caste took the initiative in the construction of the temple and hence the name fell on the temple. Another account states that Rashtrakuta Govinda III seized the Gwalior Fort in 794. After doing so he handed the services to Telang Brahmins and hence the name Teli fell on the temple. The third such account states that the name of the temple could have reference to the region of Telengana. The main reason for the final is the distinctive architectural style followed by the temple that is confluence of both the best of north Indian and Dravidian style of architecture.

Teli Ka Mandir architecture

Teli Ka Mandir architecture is an amalgam of both Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple construction. While the Dravidian style followed here does bear a striking resemblance to the Temples of Orissa rather than the temples of the south. The spires (Shikaras) of the temple are distinctive of Dravidian influence while the carvings and ornamentation of the temple is similar to the north Indian style. The main doorway of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of the humans, coiled up serpents and Goddesses. The Central doorway has impressive figurine of a flying Garuda. The out of ordinary design and clandestine influences certainly earns this place of worship the distinction of being one of few hybrid temples in the country. This distinction is to stay for all times.

Other places to visit-

Gwalior fort- Described as the pearl in the necklaces of Forts in Hind, Gwalior Fort is one place that can and must be surely visited. The Gwalior fort has continued to remain as one of the strongest fortifications since ancient times.

Gujari Mahal- The Gujari Mahal is a marvel as far as medival architecture is concerned and the exteriors of the temple has stood the test of both times and elements and is in a perfect state of preservation. The interiors of the temple today serves as an Archaeological Museum that showcases reliquary and artifacts dating back to the era dating back as far as to 1^st century A.D. This monument can also be called as a monument of love as it was built in memory Gujar’s queen Mrignyani by Raja Man Singh Tomar.

How to Reach Teli Mandir

• By Air- Gwalior is situated at about 8 km from here in the heart of the city

• By Rail- The Gwalior railway is connected to main railways divisions of both northern southern, eastern and western Railways

• By Road- There is good road network connecting all major places in Madhya Pradesh and India