Introduction

This mesmerizing temple if often refer to Oilman’s Temple as some visitors from abroad always keen to understand the meaning of its original name, it has fascinating ancient architecture of 8th century for which it is obsessed so many people. Temple is dedicated to hindu god Vishnu. Now it is under Archeological Survey of India. Being a royal location inside the complex of Gwalior Fort, So many visitors who intends to visit only fort, visit here also along after come to know about its essentiality in the place. Reaching to it, is not a tough task, one can get here by city’s local transport.

How to visit ?

Teli temple of Gwalior is located in hill top of Gwalior fort complex. It means we can visit this temple when we are doing Gwalior fort sightseeing. Here visitor timing is basically from sunrise to sunset which means we should plan for its sightseeing in day time. If you are monument photographer then we recommend to visit this temple in early morning hours to capture best images. Just like other monuments of Gwalior fort, here visitor fee is charged so try to book your visitor ticket in advance. We have two options to book entry ticket. First option is to do advance online booking from Archeological Survey of India's official website. Second option is to book entry ticket when you enter the Gwalior fort and go to ticket counter. Here cash and scan-pay system is available for tourists. Just book one ticket per person and by using single ticket, cover all monuments of Gwalior fort complex so important to retain that ticket till you exit fort complex. On every monument of fort complex, you may be asked to show the ticket. We arrange full day city tour of Gwalior with English speaking guide. If guide service is required, just book in advance to enhance your travel experience.

History

Teli Ka Mandir is actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Garuda form, this Mount of Lord Vishnu is the main attraction of the temple, elevating the height of 100 feet, stood as the tallest and most stunning thing in Fort campus. Their are many legends associated with its name. One story says, as it was made from donation of a Oil merchant who locally called Teli, given its name Teli's Temple. Second story says as it was built form princes from Telengana (region in South India) it is called Teli Ka Mandir. Another story says, "Teli Ka Mandir" term came as this Rajput Temple according to some legends, Rashtrakuta Govinda III conquered the Fort in 794. He then handled the rites of religious ceremonies and rituals to Telang Brahmins and so it is considered that this temple from the word ‘Telang’ acquired this tag. It could be bit unusual to the visitors coming here from abroad. Another tale states that the oil merchants or to say men of Teli caste constructed the temple. One solid speculation is that this temple could be connected to the ‘Telangana’ region of Andhra Pradesh, consolidate the fact that the Dravidian and north Indian style of this temple matches from Andhra region.
During British time, it was used as a Soda factory and coffee shop later all these activities get prohibited in that part of Fort.

Architecture

The architecture of “Teli ka Temple” (oilman’s temple) is a blend of north Indian Nagara style which specified North India & South Indian Dravidian style as the spire of this temple akin to this style. Unlike to other temple this Rajputana Temple doesn’t possess with any pillared hall, except to one sanctum with a porch and doorway. The doorway and the porch has some carvings with some statements imprinted over them, this place had been the ancient seat of Jain worship, also known as `pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind`.
The outer side of the temple, especially doorways and walls carved with amorous couples, coiled serpents, god and goddesses, one figure of flying Garuda can be seen on the central position on the doorways. The most miraculous thing which visitors those come here from across the world want to see and that is the fusion of southern & northern Indian architecture style. The tower has about 100 feet height, and Indo-Aryan architecture resembles as it is a Vishnu Temple. The decoration of this temple is in the Nagara style, which addresses a well known North Indian style. One more special thing is the chariot of lord Vishnu which is on the outer side of the wall. Just north of the Teli-ka-Mandir, the Suraj Kund is the 100 meter long tank whose sacred waters are supposed to have cured the 10th century ruler Suraj Sen, later Suraj Pal, of leprosy. This temple is said to have constructed in the mid-eighth century, it has a huge rectangular sanctum capped with an unusual vaulted-arch roof in a peepal-tree-leaf shape.

Location

Teli Temple is located in Gwalior city in North of Madhya Pradesh state in Central India. Temple is located in city center on uphill. It is inside fortification of Gwalior fort. It is easily accessible from all parts of city as Gwalior fort is visible from all corners of city.

DISTANCE CHART
From	Distance (in Kms)
Agra	130
Shivpuri	140
Orchha	150
Chambal Sanctuary	150
Chanderi	240
Datia	80

Best time to visit

Gwalior city is easily accessible throughout the year in all seasons so temple can be visited in any season as per convenience. Being it is close to other heritage destinations like Agra, Orchha, Chanderi, Shivpuri etc. so it remain unaffected during monsoon and can be visited easily. Here monsoon prevails from July to October during which climate remain good, rain water wash away the dust over temple outer layer and greenery prevails in surrounding that enhances the beauty of site. Here Winters seasons begins from November to February during which most of the tourists visits Gwalior & its nearby destinations so it is considered the best time to visit the site. In summers, from March to June, due to high temperature up to 46°C and heat waves, it is challenging to visit temple in day time but still in early morning hours and later in evening one can visit the temple.