TEMPLES IN GWALIOR
SUN TEMPLE
Surya Mandir or Sun Temple located near Residency at Morar is one of the important religious centers in the historic city of Gwalior. Although not constructed long ago, it is among the most revered shrines in the ancient city. The Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is one of the most spectacular shrines as well as an architectural wonder that adorns the city of Gwalior. The temple as the name suggests is dedicated to the holy Sun God. Built on the lines of legendary Sun Temple at Konark, Orissa, it also derives its name from it. The temple adorns a breath taking architecture attracting tourists and devotees from all over the country in large numbers.
History of Sun Temple
The Sun Temple of Gwalior was commissioned in year 1984 by the famous industrialist of India, G.D Birla. With its foundation stone laid on 19th Januray 1984, it took 4 years 4 days to complete construction (23rd January 1988). Initially known as Tapovan Garden, the name of the place changed to Surya Van (Surya Garden) after the completion. Inspired by the popular Sun Temple of Konark, Orissa, today this magnificent structure is equally revered in this ancient city. According to the history, the city of Gwalior has its root going back to 8th century ruled by some of the greatest Rajput clans such as Prathiharas, the Kachwahs and the Tomars.
How to Reach Sun Temple
The Sun Temple is one o the most sought after attraction in the city of Gwalior. It is located at a mere distance of about 5 kms from local bus stand and from railways station. Take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
Facts about Sun Temple
The Surya Mandir is unlike the usual temples, it is more like a monument with calm and clean gardens where one can also see peacocks and other birds moving around freely in the lawns.
Gwalior Fort
The Sun Temple of Gwalior was commissioned in year 1984 by the famous industrialist of India, G.D Birla. With its foundation stone laid on 19th Januray 1984, it took 4 years 4 days to complete construction (23rd January 1988). Initially known as Tapovan Garden, the name of the place changed to Surya Van (Surya Garden) after the completion. Inspired by the popular Sun Temple of Konark, Orissa, today this magnificent structure is equally revered in this ancient city. According to the history, the city of Gwalior has its root going back to 8th century ruled by some of the greatest Rajput clans such as Prathiharas, the Kachwahs and the Tomars. The exact period of Gwalior Fort's construction is not certain.[5] According to a local legend, the fort was built by a local king named Suraj Sen in 3 CE. He was cured of leprosy, when a sage named Gwalipa offered him the water from a sacred pond, which now lies within the fort. The grateful king constructed a fort, and named it after the sage. The sage bestowed the title Pal ("protector") upon the king, and told him that the fort would remain in his family's possession, as long as they bear this title. 83 descendants of Suraj Sen Pal controlled the fort, but the 84th, named Tej Karan, lost it. By Air: Gwalior city is one of the largest city in Madhya Pradesh state. For reaching the city by air, Gwalior Airport (IATA Code: GWL) is their to welcome you. It is well connected with Delhi and other cities of Madhya Pradesh state. Here Gwalior airport is know by the name of "Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia Airport".
History
How TO Reach:
TELI KA MANDIR
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.
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.
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.
SAAS BHAU TEMPLE
ग्वालियर किले के पूर्व में स्थित सास-बहू मंदिर देखने में जितना सुंदर है इसकी गाथा भी उतनी ही अद्भुत है। मंदिर के बनने के पीछे की कहानी वर्ष 1092 ईस्वी में शुरू हुई थी। कहा जाता है कि इस मंदिर को देखना स्वर्ग के देवी-देवताओं का प्रत्यक्ष दर्शन करने जैसा ही है।
सास ने विष्णु तथा बहू ने शिव का मंदिर बनवाया था
ग्यारहवीं सदी में ग्वालियर में कच्छवाहा वंश के राजा महिपाल का शासन था। उनकी पत्नी भगवान विष्णु की परम भक्त थी। रानी की इच्छानुसार राजा महिपाल ने भगवान विष्णु का मंदिर बनवाया जिसका नाम सहस्त्रबाहु मंदिर रखा गया। कुछ समय बाद रानी के पुत्र की शादी हुई और उनकी पुत्रवधू भगवान शिव की भक्त थी। अपनी पुत्रवधू के प्रभाव से रानी ने मंदिर के पास ही भगवान शिव का भी मंदिर बनवाया। दोनों मंदिरों को संयुक्त रूप से सहस्त्रबाहु मंदिर कहा जाने लगा। कालान्तर में यही सहस्त्रबाहु मंदिर अपभ्रंश होकर सास-बहू मंदिर हो गया। एक अन्य किंवदंती के अनुसार रानी (सास) और उनकी पुत्रवधू (बहू) के नाम पर मंदिर का नाम सास-बहू मंदिर पड़ा।
नक्काशीदार संजावट से सजा है मंदिर
सास-बहू मंदिर 32 मीटर लंबा तथा 22 मीटर चौड़ा है। मंदिर में प्रवेश के लिए तीन दिशाओं में दरवाजे हैं जबकि चौथी दिशा में एक दरवाजा बना हुआ है जो वर्तमान में बंद है। मंदिर की दीवारों, खंबों तथा छत पर नक्काशीदार आकृतियां बनाई गई हैं जो देखते ही मन मोह लेती है। इसके अलावा मंदिर की छत से ग्वालियर शहर को देखना भी अपने आप में एक खास अनुभव देता है। इस अनुभव को देखने के लिए बहुत से लोग मंदिर में आते हैं।
Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Qilla Gwalior
Gurdwara Data Bandi Chorh Sahib, situated in Gwalior, is associated with the imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind Sahib in Gwalior Fort and his celebrated release in which he managed to win the freedom of 52 Rajas (Kings) who had long suffered imprisonment in the Fort. The word "Bandi" means "imprisoned", "Chhor" means "release". For further reading see Bandi Chhorh Divas.
Alternative version I
Sri Hargobind the sixth Guru was detained in the Fort of Gwalior by the order of Emperor Jahangir. The cause of detention, it is said, was that fanatical Muslim officers, particularly those under the influence of the Naqshbandi cult, were alarmed by the Guru's new policy of militarization. They poisoned the mind of Jahangir, who, otherwise, about that time had a soft corner for the Guru. (One wonders why he would have a soft spot for the Guru, unlike his subordinates). He was summoned to Delhi and was asked to pay a fine of rupees two lakhs which had been imposed on his father and which the latter had refused to pay. As Guru Hargobind showed little inclination to pay the fine, he was sent for detention to Gwalior Fort where the Mughal Emperors kept their political prisoners. Obviously the cause of detention was political as it was a political prison. Non payment of the fine was merely an excuse. The 52 Rajas were there for their failure to pay tribute monies to the Mughal rulers.
Alternative version II
Guru Hargobind ordained Sikhs to arm themselves to resist injustice and tyranny. This annoyed Emperor Jehangir who ordered the incarceration of the Guru in the Gwalior Fort. Soon realising his mistake, (for whatever reason) the Emperor ordered his release but the Guru refused to accept the offer till 52 innocent 'Rajas' were also freed. Instructions were issued that whosoever held onto the Guru's clothing would be freed. Guru Ji wore a special apron with 52 strings attached to it. Each Raja held one string and walked out to freedom. (Here one has to wonder why the Emperor would ever think of this as a mistake, unless he was expecting only ten or twelve men to be able to hold onto the Guru's clothing)
Gopachal
Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments, also called Gopachal Parvat Jaina monuments, are a group of Jain carvings dated to between 7th and 15th century. They are located on the south side of Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh. They depict Tirthankaras in seated Padmasana posture as well as standing Kayotsarga posture, in the typical naked form of Jain iconography. This group of Jain monuments is related to numerous others found in the north side of the fort including the Siddhachal Caves.
History
The Gopachal rock cut monuments are a part of nearly 100 Jain monuments found in and around the Gwalior city, but these are dated earlier than the Siddhachal Caves located about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) north of these monuments. Both monuments were defaced and desecrated around 1527 when the Emperor Babur ordered their destruction.[4][5][6] Centuries later, the Jain community restored many of the statues by adding back stucco heads on the top of the damaged idols.
