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| Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior Fort,MP kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com |
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| Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior Fort,MP. credit-Varun Shiv Kapur upload.wikimedia.org |
The Teli Temple, also known as Teli ka Mandir, located within the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, is an extraordinary example of early Hindu temple architecture. Dated between the 8th and 9th centuries CE, it integrates architectural styles from both North and South India, showcasing a blend of the Nagara style with elements of Dravidian architecture, making it a unique landmark in Central India.Damaged Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior
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| Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior Fort upload.wikimedia.org |
Above image: Teli ka Mandir, within the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh State. Extensively damaged during invasions by Delhi's Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish in 1232 CE........
Historical Background
The temple was initially dedicated to the Matrikas (mother goddesses) and later attributed to Vishnu, with its current structure emphasizing both Vaishnavite and Shaivite motifs. Scholars like Hermann Goetz have suggested that the temple might have undergone transformations, including being converted into a Shiva temple during later periods. The name "Teli ka Mandir" has various interpretations: it could be linked to the Telang Brahmins who conducted rituals or possibly to oil merchants (Telis) who reconstructed the temple after it suffered damages in the 13th century during invasions by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish.
Architectural Features
The Teli Temple's architecture is remarkable for its atypical design. It has a rectangular sanctum, which is a rare feature in Hindu temple architecture, where square sanctums are the norm. This unique plan makes it one of the oldest surviving temples with such a layout in Central India. The structure blends the Valabhi prasada style with a Dravidian shikhara (spire), while its ornamentation reflects the Nagara style of North Indian temples.
Shikhara and Carvings:
The temple's towering shikhara resembles a Dravidian gopuram and dominates the skyline of Gwalior Fort. The doorway, which features a massive image of Garuda (the vahana of Vishnu), is elaborately carved with intricate details, including gods, goddesses, amorous couples, and coiled serpents.
Sanctum Layout:
The sanctum is built on a grid of squares, though expanded from the standard 4x4 layout to a larger 4x6, making it a rectangular space. This enlargement of the sanctum distinguishes it architecturally, and the variation in wall thickness adds to the uniqueness of the temple's design.
Absence of Mandapa:
Unlike many Hindu temples, the Teli Temple does not have a mandapa (pillared hall). Instead, it features a sanctum accompanied by a porch, with the doorway serving as a prominent architectural element.
Theories on its Name
The name "Teli ka Mandir" has several proposed origins:
Telang Brahmins: It is believed that during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Govinda III in 794 CE, Telang Brahmins were responsible for the temple's religious activities.
Teli Caste Involvement: Another theory suggests that the temple's reconstruction after the Islamic invasions was spearheaded by the Teli (oil trader) caste.
Link to Telangana: A third hypothesis ties the temple's name to the Telangana region, suggesting that the blend of North and South Indian architectural styles points to influences from that region.
Cultural Significance
The temple, positioned on a high point within Gwalior Fort, stands out for its massive scale and intricate design. Its history of being a site for both Vishnu and Shiva worship reflects the syncretic religious practices of early medieval India. The impressive Garuda carving on the doorway is one of the temple’s most distinctive features, symbolizing its deep connection to Vaishnavism.
The Teli Temple is a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural confluence in early Hindu temple construction, blending diverse styles into a harmonious and enduring structure.
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
https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2019/04/07/teli-ka-mandir-gwalior/
