Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India

Contrasting with the predominant North Indian style of architecture is the Teli-ka-Mandir. This temple, built in the ninth century and Dravidian in form, is believed to be the oldest in the fort. The sculptures are distinctly North Indian. A more recent study ascribes it to Telap Raj, a prime minister of the region. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a garuda (mythical bird) can be seen on top of the 10-metre-high doorway.

Teli Ka Mandir is an ancient temple that is undoubtedly famous for its splendid architecture. Located in the Gwalior Fort complex, Teli Ka Mandir can be reached easily by taking local means of transport from Gwalior. The English version of Teli Ka Mandir is Oilman's Temple. Built in 11th century, Oilman's Temple is the oldest temple of the Gwalior Fort.

Elevating to the height of 100 feet, Teli Ka Mandir is the tallest and most stunning temple in the confines of the Gwalior Fort. The temple is actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of his mount, Garuda. The colossal image of 'Garuda' (Mount of Lord Vishnu) is the major attraction of Teli Ka Mandir. This unusual image makes the circlet of the doorway, the highest structure in the Gwalior Fort.

There are many theories as to how Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior in India,got its name .One of the views is that Govinda III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty occupied the Fort of Gwalior in 794 and appointed the Telang Brahmins to look after all religious ceremonies.The temple acquired it’s name from them only. Another viewpoint says that Teli Ka Mandir, Madhya Pradesh was constructed by the members of the Teli caste (oil merchants). While another group of persons are of the view that the name came from the Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh suggesting a blending of North Indian and Dravidian architectural styles.

 Teli Ka Mandir, Madhya Pradesh is a towering structure of about 100 feet. It is has unique architectural style and resembles a Prathihara Vishnu temple.The shape of the roof or Shikhara can be easily discerned as Dravidian and the embellishments are distintively Indo Aryan. The decorations are of the Nagara Style, a well known art form of Northern India. The complex of Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior is filled with figures of river goddesses, coiled serpents, amorous couples and a flying Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

Teli ka Mandir is credited to be the oldest shrine that dots the landscape of the ancient city of Gwalior. The origin of the primordial shrine dates as far back as 8th or 9th century AD when Adivaraha Mihir Bhoj of Kannauj ruled over the dominions of Central India.

The extraordinary temple is ensconced within the premises of the spectacular Gwalior Fort. The temple's architecture, design and layout are rather interesting and depict the consummate skill and expertise of the ancient craftsmen and architects. The temple represents a roundish barrel or a shikhar and presents a stunning sight. There are several surmises and conjectures regarding the construction of the venerable shrine. Some claim that it was constructed under the generous patronage of an oil merchant while others attribute it to a connoisseur of fine arts hailing from South India. But the authenticity of these claims are questionable.