ॐ साईं राम

तत् त्वम् असि • Love is God • अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म • Help Ever Hurt Never • ब्रह्मन् • Omnipotent • सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म • Vedas are Breath of God • यद् भावं तद् भवति • Omniscient Love All Serve All • प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म • अहम् ब्रह्म अस्मि • God is Love  • Omnipresent

Vedas & Upanishad

Mantra & Hyms

Trending Now

Teli Ki Mandir, Gwalior

Teli Ki Mandir

Teli Ka Mandir is an extraordinary Hindu temple situated inside Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Matrikas, this architectural gem dates back to the 8th–9th century CE and stands out for its unique style and historical resonance.

“तेली का मंदिर — जहाँ हर ईंट एक कथा कहती है, और हर शिखर में देवत्व की छाया है।”

― Teli Ki Mandir

Built in the 8th–9th century CE during the reign of the Pratihara dynasty.

Mythological Significance & History

Built between the earlier 8th and early 9th century, the temple is often attributed to the reign of Pratihara king Mihir Bhoja, with some legends suggesting it was financed by local oil merchants—hence the name Teli (oilman).
It suffered damage during the 1220–1230 invasions of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish. Later, in the late 19th century (1881–83), restoration was carried out by Major Keith of the Royal Scots.

Significance of the Temple

The temple is especially noted for its religious inclusivity, housing symbols from Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. Inscriptions include a hymn to Durga, and a relief of Garuda (Vishnu’s mount) marks its doorway.
It is also the tallest structure within the Gwalior Fort complex, making it a visually commanding presence

Architecture of the Temple

The design is a rare fusion of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) styles, with influences from Buddhist forms. The rectangular sanctum has no mandapa, but includes a porch, altar (antarala), and a circumambulatory path.

The shikhara extends to about 30 meters (approx. 100 ft) and ends in a barrel-vault cap reminiscent of South Indian gopurams.

Carvings are a highlight: river goddesses (Ganga, Yamuna), mythical creatures, amorous couples, coiled serpents, and a prominent Garuda above the entrance. Doorway stands at about 35 feet tall, among the tallest seen in Hindu architecture.

How to Reach to Temple

By Air: Nearest is Gwalior Airport, approx. 8 km away.

By Train: Gwalior Junction, ~4–5 km from the temple.

By Road: Located within Gwalior Fort, accessible via taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses from the city.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    7:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Temple Location

Related posts:

Scroll to Top