Caption Teli Ka Mandir Gwalior Madhya Pradesh India.
Last year on 07th October 2019 during the Holidays season I was on a Road trip with my wife and two nieces. Teli Ka Mandir and its Architecture is known through the history. As a history buffs and wanderer I always love to visit these renowned monuments. My family was also excited and at first site all were thrilled.
A combined ticket is there for the visitors which is affordable and for foreigners it’s little costly comparative to the local tourists. But it doesn’t matter much for these heritage sites. All facilities like parking, toilets, drinking water, restaurant, food stalls etc are available for the tourits.
The temple bears its name as Teli Ka Mandir because it was built by an Oil Trader during the reign of Mihra Bhoja of Pritihara dynasty. This is the tallest building among all in the Gwalior fort. It’s about 30 meters high.
It’s having a Garbhgrah mean main sanctum for the principal diety and an interstitial space which connects the main entrance to main sanctum. And it can be approached by a flight of steps. The most unique feature is Wagon Vaulted roof which is popular Dravidian style and rarely found in North India. Though decorative works are similar to the Indo Aryan style of architecture popular in North India. Its exterior walls are richly carved and decorated with Sculptures. Hence it depicts a fusion of South Indian and North Indian Architecture which is a unique feature. It doesn’t have any dated inscription but archaeologists and historian agreed that it would have been built in 9th century referring its style and Architecture. Its Pratihara Gopagiri North Indian Architecture and Dravidian which is a Valabhi Prasada Architecture having a typical rectangular sanctum topped with Wagon Vaulted roof and Nagara style Architecture are keeping in a very special category of art and architecture. The architecture of this important temple is musical and rhythmic so Herrmann Goetz called a masterpiece of Late Gupta era of Indian Art. It was dedicated initially to Lord Vishnu, then to Shiva and to Mother Goddesses in various periods. It’s eastern facing and the lofty gate was added in 1881 AD by Major Kieth in British Raj and and added stone pillars to support the temple structure.
This vist was quite interesting and informative and we were amazed by its unique Architecture. It’s a wonderful heritage and protected monument and a attraction for history buffs, wanderer, art and architecture lover etc. It’s a must visit tourists attraction and a unique heritage.
