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The Sas Bahu Temple and Teli Ka Mandir (Gwalior)
 Teli-ka-Mandir
Contrasting with the predominant north Indian style of architecture is the Teli-ka-Mandir. This temple is believed to the oldest in the Fort, built in the ninth century and Dravidian in form. The sculptures are distinctly north Indian. Some believed it was so named because it was built in the Telangana style; others say this was because it was built by telis (oil merchants). A more recent study ascribes it to Telap Raj, a prime minister of the region.
Magnificent Architecture Splendor
Whatever the truth, the fact remains that the Teli Temple, is a marvellous amalgam of the architecture features of the temples of North and South India.
The shikhara (spire) is definitely Dravidian in style, while the decorative details are in the Nagara style - specific to North India. Figures of river goddesses, amorous couples, coiled serpents, and a flying Garuda (Lord Vishnu's vehicle) abound in the temple complex.
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