Gwalior is much more than its historic Gwalior Fort. Gwalior Fort is much more than just a fort! It’s enormous and impregnable. It’s beyond your stretch of imagination. It has palaces, baolis (water tanks), temples, and much more. Let’s explore the gorgeous temples in Gwalior in this post!
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Temples in Gwalior
A visit to India is incomplete without visiting some of its ancient temples. Gwalior is home to some of the most magnificent temples in India.
While you make your way towards the glorious historic temples in Gwalior, they razzle-dazzle your senses. The carvings, the avenues, and everything that you witness here imprisons a grandeur, and as one looks intensely, each and every stone breathes a story.
You can either take your car up through Urwahi Gate or walk up (I would recommend walking if time is not an issue). It’s not too rough a climb, and you can have a glimpse of stunning terrains on your way up.
Siddhanchal Jain Temple Caves
Halfway up the hills of the fort, on either side of Urwahi road, there are many huge rock-cut Jain statues to discover. They represent the Jain Tirthankaras.
The largest statue (approx. 17 meters in height) is an imposing figure ofParshvanath seated on a lotus. These sculptures are slightly set into the arboraceous Urwahi Valley.
You can take steps leading down to get a good perspective of them. The pathways are alive with huge, lovely Jain sculptures that move you with their poised touch of godliness. These sculptures are speculated to have been carved during the 15th century under the aegis of a Tomar king.
However, some of them are thought to date to the 7th century. Damages are apparent, and again, the Mughals are to be blamed for their irreverent act of vandalism on the temple.
You must not miss visiting the Gujari Mahal in Gwalior.
Sas-Bahu Temple: The Most Intriguing of All the Temples in Gwalior Fort
We moved to the Sas-Bahu Temple later in the day. The temple was constructed by King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha dynasty.
The pair of temples, made entirely of sandstone, look awesome! Sheer architectural brilliance, I must say!
Both temples are located next to each other and are roughly analogous. It feels as if divinity and the spirit of God live in these beautiful temples.
The temple was built around the 9th century. Its name is derived from Sahastra-Bahu, another name for the thousand-armed Lord Vishnu.
These temples of Gwalior Fort were also misused by the Mughals. The Britishers gave new life to the temples.
According to folklore, the King’s wife was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, while her daughter-in-law worshipped Lord Shiva. Thus, ultimately, two temples were built, one after the other.
The large temple is intricately adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures of the deity, and its roof is adorned with beautiful lotus carvings.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Gwalior from the Sas Bahu temple.
The picturesque view of Gwalior fort and city from the Sas-Bahu Temple.
Read More: Best Things to do in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Teli Ka Mandir: The Most Famous of All the Temples in Gwalior Fort
Another architectural marvel is a rock-carved temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Teli ka Mandir was built around the 9th century and is supposed to have been made by the Teli community (oil traders).
The temple is unique for its Dravidian and Buddhist architectural style, especially its domed roof. It is decorated with sculptures from Hinduism. I spent quite some time admiring the details of the carvings.
Teli ka Mandir is known as the oldest and tallest structure in Gwalior Fort. The temple was undergoing some construction work when we visited, as you can see in the picture.
Read about Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum in Gwalior
Chaturbhuj Temple: The Temple of Zero
When you walk down the path from Man-Mandir Palace to about halfway to the Gwalior gate, there’s a small temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple has an inscription in the ancient language near the deity. This stone inscription includes the first-ever recorded description of zero (around the 7th century). So, mathematicians also call it a Temple of Zero.
Sun Temple: The Newest of All the Temples in Gwalior
The Sun Temple or Surya Mandir is a recent addition to the temples in Gwalior. It was built in 1988 by G.D. Birla. It has been inspired by the Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa.
The temple is adorned with a lovely sculpture of Lord Surya. I couldn’t help but adore the spellbinding architecture!
How to Visit the Temples of Gwalior: Essentials
Location
All the temples are located in the Gwalior Fort complex, except the Sun Temple (Surya Mandir). It’s situated in the Morar area near the Ecological Park.
Getting There
Gwalior can be easily reached by air, rail, and road. It’s well connected by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, and Bhopal.
Gwalior Airport is the nearest airport. All the major trains, such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, and Delhi-Chennai, stop at Gwalior railway station. Gwalior is well connected by road to all major towns in Madhya Pradesh and the rest of Northern India.
Just 6 km away from the Gwalior city center, Gwalior Fort can be reached by private or public transportation.
Opening/Closing Timings and Days
The temples inside Gwalior Fort are open all days of the week from 8:00 – 18:00.
Surya Mandir is open every day from 6:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00. It is closed from 12:00 to 13:00.
Time Required / Duration of Visit
It takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore all the temples in the Gwalior Fort Complex. We visited the fort and the temples on the same day and witnessed the light-and-sound show in the evening, so it took us the entire day.
Entry Fees
While all the temples have free entry, Teli Ka Mandir charges around INR 20 per person.
Best Time to Visit Temples in Gwalior
It’s best to visit from October to February. Try to visit early in the morning if you are combining the visit with the fort.
Most of the time, we visit temples and really don’t bother to learn the stories behind them, but this trip was different. I auscultate the sounds of past these places are still breathing.
I really had no idea that Gwalior would leave me awe-struck. I stood in silent awe, too amazed to say anything. We ended our day with a sense of delight.
Visiting these gems made me wonder why people always dream about sojourning to foreign destinations when such ethereal places are hidden in our own backyard. Truly, Incredible India!
After all, the past is our only real guide to the future, and historical analogies are instruments for distilling and organizing the past and converting it to a map by which we can navigate. ~ Michael Mandelbaum
So, go explore the past to understand the future!
What’s your take on visiting religious shrines? Ain’t they spiritually renew you? Have you ever got a chance to explore these awe-inspiring temples in Gwalior?
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The temples look really interesting would love to visit someone where like this one day.
Thank you for reading, Alexandra. I am sure you’d totally love the temples.
I’m feeling Indiana Jones vibes, I’d totally visit.
My favourite out of your post is definitely Teli ka Mandir, it seems so detailed
You should certainly visit then 🙂 Teli ka mandir stands out because of its intricate detailing and eerie vibes.
Great travels you’ve made here. I am also fond of travelling and these exotic destinations with the quaint mountains and culture is just fantastic. Amazing! I should visit Gwalior Fort one day! 🙂
Thank you so much. You must plan to visit Gwalior someday soon. Do let me know about your experience when you get to visit.
What absolutely beautiful photography. The details in some of the carvings absolutely astounds me!
Thank you, Diane. I’m glad you liked it.
Splendid! Have not visited Gwalior anytime yet but now would love to looking at those beautiful shrines with history and stories.
Thanks, Jhilmil. You must plan a visit to Gwalior. You gonna love it!
Wow! It makes me sad that I haven’t explored much of India, very few cities. 🙁 When I was young, I would only like to go to my grandparents during holidays hence couldn’t plan to go anywhere else. Now, whenever we come to India, all the time is up with family. Thanks for sharing this post and all the information. I hope to visit someday. 🙂
Thanks, Aditi! I know, It gets difficult to plan for other things when you make a short visit to your home country because of family commitments. And, obviously they are rightful in their own way. Hope you visit Gwalior someday with your family members in India 🙂
Gwalior is adorned with beautiful, ancient architecture and sculpture. Loved the story of Saas-bahu temple and also the view of fort with this temple is really splendid.
Thanks, Yukti. Yeah, Gwalior is a gem when comes to history. Gwalior fort and its temples are brimming with stories of past.
This looks absolutely amazing! I am so jealous right now I wish I could be there exploring. I adore ancient history, I think it’s so fascinating.
Thank you for the read 🙂 I too find history intriguing. Temples of Gwalior are the real treat for history lovers!
These temples are gorgeous, loved how you captured them all in its beauty.
Thank you so much! So glad to know that you liked the pics!
Wow! I haven’t explored much of India, very few cities. ? This post is an inspiration to travel a lot, learn and explore. ?
Thanks for reading! India has a rich history and I’m sure you’d love exploring stunning historical places here. It’s a learning on the go.
Omg, It really looks a beautiful temple and it makes me want to go there and I love all the photos
Thanks, Hayley. I’m glad you liked it. You should definitely visit these temples whenever you find yourself in India 🙂
Omg what extraordinary temples! I literally could sit down and just look at every small detail for weeks on end. So much history too.
Thanks, Jennifer. I am sure you’d love visiting these beautiful and historical temples.
Thanks, Jennifer. I am sure you’d love visiting these beautiful and historical temples.
Thanks, Hayley. I’m glad you liked it. You should definitely visit these temples whenever you find yourself in India 🙂
Thanks for reading! India has a rich history and I’m sure you’d love exploring stunning historical places here. It’s a learning on the go.
Thank you so much! So glad to know that you liked the pics!
Thank you for the read 🙂 I too find history intriguing. Temples of Gwalior are the real treat for history lovers!
You got it right. Especially, temples in India share significant architectural similarities with temples in Southeast Asia. Hope you get to travel soon 🙂
You got it right. Especially, temples in India share significant architectural similarities with temples in Southeast Asia. Hope you get to travel soon 🙂
I’m so glad how the history of other countries are so rich and people like you keep on sharing this to us. This eventually helps others know and understand your country, your history and your people. Thanks.
Yeah, true. One of the reason that I love this platform where we share our travels is that we get to know so much about the culture, history and people of different countries through others’ experiences. Thank you so much for dropping by. I appreciate it 🙂
I’m so glad how the history of other countries are so rich and people like you keep on sharing this to us. This eventually helps others know and understand your country, your history and your people. Thanks.
Those temples are absolutely beautiful. I would love to go visit one day. Some of the detail in the carvings amaze me!
XO Via Bella Blog
Thanks for your words of appreciation 🙂 Hope you get to visit temples of Gwalior soon! XO
Those temples are absolutely beautiful. I would love to go visit one day. Some of the detail in the carvings amaze me!
XO Via Bella Blog
I have been to the Gwalior fort and it was the best trip ever! I loved the artwork! The carvings are truly amazing. Would love to visit again sometime!
Thank you for dropping by, Veethee. True, Gwalior fort is certainly “The pearl amongst fortresses in India” and one time isn’t enough to explore all its glory. I too would love to visit again whenever I get a chance.
I have been to the Gwalior fort and it was the best trip ever! I loved the artwork! The carvings are truly amazing. Would love to visit again sometime!
Thank you for dropping by, Veethee. True, Gwalior fort is certainly “The pearl amongst fortresses in India” and one time isn’t enough to explore all its glory. I too would love to visit again whenever I get a chance.