Teli Temple — Attraction in Gwalior

Teli Ka Mandir, located in the historic city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a unique and impressive example of ancient temple architecture. Built in the 8th or 9th century, this temple stands out due to its distinct design, which combines elements of North Indian (Nagara) and South Indian (Dravidian) architectural styles.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and it is known for its unusual height and structural form. The towering shikhara (spire) of Teli Ka Mandir reaches approximately 100 feet, making it the tallest structure within the Gwalior Fort complex. The temple's name, "Teli Ka Mandir," translates to "Oilman's Temple," though the origin of this name is unclear.

The temple's façade features intricate carvings of various deities, mythical creatures, and floral patterns. The blend of architectural styles is evident in the rectangular sanctum and the elongated, barrel-vaulted roof, which is atypical for temples in this region. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a beautifully carved torana (arched gateway), adding to its grandeur.

Despite centuries of exposure to the elements and invasions, Teli Ka Mandir remains a testament to the architectural ingenuity and religious devotion of ancient India. It continues to attract historians, architects, and tourists who marvel at its unique design and historical...

During my exploration of Gwalior Fort on my visit to IIITM Gwalior, I stopped by the Teli Temple (तेली टेंपल) — one of the most striking and unique structures within the fort complex. The moment I saw it, I was amazed by its towering shikhara and distinctive blend of architectural styles — a fusion of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian influences that makes it stand out from anything else in Gwalior. Built around the 8th–9th century by the Pratihara rulers, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (though often associated with Shiva as well), and its name “Teli-ka-Mandir” is believed to come from the oil merchants (telis) who may have commissioned its restoration centuries later. The tall spire, intricate stone carvings, and grand entrance arch all speak of a time when craftsmanship was at its peak. Standing before it, surrounded by open courtyards and the quiet expanse of the fort, I felt both awe and peace — the temple exudes a sense of power and grace that transcends time. The sunlight falling on its red sandstone surface gave it a golden glow, and the silence around made the moment even more special. Visiting the Teli Temple was one of the highlights of my Gwalior Fort experience — a place where art, history, and spirituality meet in...

Teli Ka Mandir is a famous temple located within the Gwalior Fort complex in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered to be one of the oldest surviving structures within the fort, dating back to the 8th or 9th century AD.

The Teli Ka Mandir is a unique blend of different architectural styles, featuring a Dravidian-style vimana (tower) on top of a rectangular sandstone temple structure with Indo-Aryan architectural elements. The tower of the temple is approximately 100 feet high, making it the tallest structure within the Gwalior Fort complex.

The name "Teli Ka Mandir" translates to "Oilman's Temple," and it is believed that the temple was originally built by the oil merchants (telis) of Gwalior. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features intricate carvings and sculptures on its exterior walls, including scenes from Hindu mythology and various animals and deities.

Visitors can explore the temple and admire its unique architecture and intricate carvings, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Gwalior Fort complex from the top of the vimana. The Teli Ka Mandir is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Gwalior and is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural...