What it does
Telisha Gedola is a light disjunctive marking the start of an ornate phrase. Like Pazer, it shows up in verses with detailed narration. Its visual position, at the start of the word, gives the reader an early signal that something elaborate is unfolding.
Where it appears
Used in longer verses, often introducing a new clause within a broader phrase. The position of the mark (above the right side of the first letter, regardless of stress) is distinctive.
How to remember it
Telisha means "plucked" or "drawn out." Gedola means "big." The mark is a small circle on a vertical stem, like a balloon on a string, placed above the right edge of the first letter.
Example from the Torah
Shemos 3:4
In Shemos 3:4, Telisha Gedola on the opening word וַיִּקְרָא֩ sets up the ornate description of Hashem calling Moshe from the burning bush.
Hear the melody
A synthesized rendering of the melodic shape, not a vocal recording. For a baal koreh's voice on a full aliyah, PocketTorah is a great free resource.
Hand signal (simanim)
Often confused with
Telisha Ketana is the conjunctive "little" version of the same balloon-on-stem mark, placed above the LEFT side of the LAST letter of a word. Same family, opposite function and position.