Teli Temple, Gwalior Travel Guide

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Explore the architectural marvel of Teli Temple in Gwalior Fort, a unique blend of North and South Indian styles dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Teli Temple, also known as Teli Ka Mandir, stands within the Gwalior Fort as a testament to India's rich architectural heritage. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, this Hindu temple showcases a unique blend of North and South Indian styles, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Matrikas. Its distinct rectangular shape and intricate carvings make it a must-see attraction within the fort complex.

A brief summary to Teli Temple

65C8+574, Gwalior, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, 474008, IN
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Teli Temple.

Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the Gwalior Fort involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during the summer months.
Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temple and the fort.

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Getting There

Walking

From the main entrance of Gwalior Fort, follow the paved pathway leading uphill towards the major monuments. The Teli Temple is located near the Sahastrabahu Temple, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. The path is well-maintained but can be steep in some sections. There are no additional costs involved.
E-Rickshaw

E-rickshaws are available near the ticket counter at Gwalior Fort and offer a convenient way to reach Teli Temple and other attractions within the fort complex. A ride to Teli Temple costs approximately INR 10-20 per person, or you can hire an entire e-rickshaw for around INR 100-200 for a more personalized tour.
Taxi/Car

If arriving by taxi or car, you can drive up to the parking area near the fort's main monuments via the southwestern gate (Urvai Gate). From the parking area, Teli Temple is a short walk away. Parking fees are minimal, around INR 50-100 for a few hours. Note that local transport is not allowed through this gate; only vehicles run by the fort authority are permitted beyond a certain point.

Discover more about Teli Temple

Teli Temple, or Teli Ka Mandir, is a prominent Hindu temple located inside the historic Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh. The temple's construction is estimated to have occurred around the 8th or 9th century CE, during the reign of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and the Matrikas (mother goddesses).What makes Teli Ka Mandir unique is its architecture, which represents a fusion of North and South Indian styles. Unlike typical Hindu temples that are square, this temple has a rectangular shape. The main structure features the Nagara style prevalent in North India, characterized by intricate carvings. The roof, however, showcases a Dravidian style more commonly found in South India. This blend of architectural elements creates a visually captivating and harmonious structure. The temple is approximately 100 feet tall and is among the tallest structures within the Gwalior Fort complex.There are several stories surrounding the origin of the name "Teli Ka Mandir," which translates to "Oilman's Temple". One legend suggests that oil merchants (Telis) funded the temple's construction. Another theory proposes that it was named after the Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, possibly due to the architectural similarities or the involvement of artisans from that region.Over the centuries, Teli Ka Mandir has experienced periods of destruction and restoration. In the 19th century, the temple was in a state of disrepair until Major Keith of the Royal Scots Regiment initiated restoration efforts between 1881 and 1883. During British rule, the temple courtyard was even used as a coffee shop. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the temple.