Teli Ka Mandir
Located in the Gwalior Fort, Teli Ka Mandir dates back to the 9th century and is the highest building in Gwalior (100 ft.). It is a towering structure of about 100 feet and has a unique architectural style. The shape of the roof or Shikhara can be easily discerned as Dravidian and the embellishments are distinctively Indo-Aryan.
The decorations are of the Nagara Style, a well-known art form of Northern India. The complex of Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior is filled with figures of river goddesses, coiled serpents, amorous couples, and a flying Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
History of Teli Ka Mandir
There are many theories as to how Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior in India, got its name. One of the views is that Govinda III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty occupied the Fort of Gwalior in 794 and appointed the Telang Brahmins to look after all religious ceremonies.
The temple acquired its name from them only. Another viewpoint says that Teli Ka Mandir, Madhya Pradesh was constructed by the members of the Teli caste (oil merchants). While another group of persons is of the view that the name came from the Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh suggesting a blending of North Indian and Dravidian architectural styles.
Architecture of Teli Ka Mandir
Teli Ka Mandir, Madhya Pradesh is a towering structure of about 100 feet. It has a unique architectural style and resembles a Prathihara Vishnu temple. The shape of the roof or Shikhara can be easily discerned as Dravidian and the embellishments are distinctively Indo-Aryan.
The decorations are of the Nagara Style, a well-known art form of Northern India. The complex of Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior is filled with figures of river goddesses, coiled serpents, amorous couples, and a flying Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
