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| Teli-ka-mandir,Gwalior, MP. .indiamike.com |
Teli ka temple of Gwalior, MP. mahendraindiatravel.com
Above image: Teli ka temple of Gwalior, MP. Architectural design is similar to that of a Prathihara Vishnu temple. The ornamentation are clearly Nagara, and the design of the roof, or Shikhara, is clearly Dravidian. . There are stone images of river goddesses, coiling serpents, amorous couples, and a soaring Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s vahana, in the Mandir complex.
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| Teli-ka-mandir, Gwalior fort, MP .esamskriti.com |
The Teli ka temple of Gwalior. Built by ruler Mihira of Pratihara dynasty. Ht, about 30 meters, front portion restored from damaged caused by invasion from Delhi Sultanate in the 13th CE...........
Teli-ka-mandir, Gwalior fort, MP. .bhaktibharat.com
Teli Temple: A Fusion of Architectural Styles
The Teli Temple, also known as Teli ka Mandir, stands as an extraordinary monument within the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries CE, it is dedicated to a mix of deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and the Matrikas (mother goddesses). Its unique design, incorporating elements from both North and South Indian architecture, sets it apart from typical Hindu temples of the period.
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| Damaged Teli-ka-mandir, Gwalior fort, MP. blogger.com |
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| Shiva-Vishnu temple,Teli-ka-mandir, Gwalior fort, side view.en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Teli-ka-mandir, Gwalior fort, Dated between the 8th and 9th centuries CE.........
Historical Significance
The temple was originally dedicated to the Matrikas, but later inscriptions and studies suggest it was also associated with Vishnu, possibly being repurposed as a Shiva temple in subsequent periods. Scholars such as Hermann Goetz have debated the temple’s initial dedication, with its Vaishnavite and Shaivite motifs pointing to multiple phases of religious influence. The temple suffered significant damage during invasions by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish in 1232 CE, after which it was partially reconstructed.
The name "Teli ka Mandir" has several interpretations. One theory links it to the Telang Brahmins, who were responsible for religious ceremonies under Rashtrakuta ruler Govinda III. Another suggests the temple was restored by the Teli caste (oil merchants) after it was damaged. A third explanation ties the name to the Telangana region, highlighting the blend of Dravidian and North Indian architectural styles.
Architectural Features
Unique Design and Layout
The temple’s most unusual feature is its rectangular sanctum, deviating from the standard square plan seen in most Hindu temples. This makes it one of the oldest surviving temples with a rectangular layout in Central India. The structure expands the typical 4x4 square grid to a 4x6 grid, enlarging the sanctum without extending the entire temple’s dimensions. This unique layout contributes to its architectural distinctiveness.
Dravidian Shikhara and Nagara Ornamentation
The temple’s towering shikhara (spire) is distinctly Dravidian in style, resembling the gopurams seen in South Indian temples. In contrast, the ornamentation reflects the Nagara style typical of North Indian temples. The doorway is richly carved with depictions of gods, goddesses, coiled serpents, and amorous couples, with a massive image of Garuda, Vishnu’s vahana, crowning the entrance.
Absence of Mandapa
Unlike many traditional Hindu temples, the Teli Temple does not have a mandapa (pillared hall). Instead, it comprises a sanctum accompanied by a porch, focusing architectural attention on the doorway and the inner sanctum.
Cultural and Religious Importance
The Teli Temple is an important example of the confluence of religious traditions in early medieval India. Its blend of Vaishnavite, Shaivite, and Matrika worship underscores the diversity of belief systems during this period. Its prominent location within Gwalior Fort and its fusion of architectural styles make it a significant historical and cultural landmark in Central India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teli_ka_Mandir
https://www.navrangindia.in/2021/11/teli-ka-mandir-8th-century-temple-of.html
https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-temples/teli-ka-mandir.html
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