Did You Know That There's A 2,000 Year Old Heliodorus Pillar In Madhya Pradesh?

Madhya Pradesh, known for its excellent historical and archaeological sites has it all that takes to be the centre of India- be it the rich history, culture, tradition or art! There are countless hidden gems here just waiting to be discovered; Heliodorus Pillar being one of them.

We all are aware of the Greek Heliodorus through the famous painting "The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple" by Raphael as narrated in the bible, at the Vatican Palace in Italy!

Set in the heart of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, Heliodorus Pillar is a magnificent structure that has captured the attention of historians and archaeologists for over a 100 years now! This stunning pillar was constructed around 113 BC and today it stands as a testament to a fascinating bygone era. Let’s find out more about this stunning pillar!

Origin

Also known as the Khambh Baba (The Pillar Saint), the pillar is named after the Greek ambassador in Taxila’s court, Heliodorus, who served in the court of King Bhagabhadra in Central India. Located near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Bes River, the stone pillar is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. Till date, Heliodorus' purpose of being in India remains a hot topic of discussion among historians. Some believe that he had diplomatic motives, while others say that he might have had a religious or reasons to be in the country.

Inscriptions On The Pillar

The pillar, which stands around 6.5 metres tall (with a Garuda on the top-a mythical bird-like creature), is made up of three parts: a faceted shaft, a bell capital, and an abacus. Festoon designs, a border depicting pairs of geese, and Hellenistic themes like bead moulding and honeysuckle are among the carvings on the pillar. A carved ring of low-relief floral half-medallions decorates the border between the lower and middle segments of the shaft.

One of the earliest examples of cement binding in India is the lime mortar foundation of the pillar.

Two inscriptions have been found on the pillar. They are mostly in Prakrit and written in the Brahmi script. The translated text of the first set of inscriptions identifies Heliodorus as a Bhagavata (a follower of Vaishnava sect) and as an ambassador sent by the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas to the court of the Shunga king Bhagabhadra.

The second set, inscribed on the other face of the pillar, offers advice on the path to immortality, recommending self-control, self-denial, and watchfulness.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal (65 km), connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Udaipur. It takes about 2 hours to reach Vidisha from Bhopal, depending on traffic.

By Rail: Vidisha Railway Station is situated on the main railway track on the Delhi to Mumbai and Delhi to Hyderabad routes.

Entrance fee

Entry is free.

Things To Do

Around Vidisha

The town of Vidisha is just 9 km away from Sanchi. Ruled by various Indian dynasties, Vidisha was the capital and a successful trading centre way back in the 6th century BC and was an important part of the kingdom of Emperor Ashoka. The District Museum holds a large collection of sculptures and stone relief panels excavated from the river, some dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Sanchi

The Sanchi Archaeological Museum houses a repository of sculptures and excavated finds from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Head to the top of the hill, where a cluster of ancient Buddhist monuments make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi. On the journey to Sanchi, there is a place where the Earth’s northernmost latitude passes, known as the Tropic of Cancer. It is a must-see!

Udayagiri Caves

Dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries, the rock-cut caves display the architectural finesse that existed during the Gupta period. 8-feet high pillars, and portico, the sculpture of a reclining Vishnu, the designed entrances to various caves, etc. are some of the popular attractions. It is 4km from Vidisha. MP Tourism runs a small tourist lodge here.

Have you visited this place? Let us know in the comments below!

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