Landmark

Heliodorus pillar

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The Heliodorus pillar, also known as the Khamba Baba, is a freestanding stone column erected around 113 BCE by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador from the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas. Dedicated to Vasudeva (an early form of Krishna), it stands as a testament to cultural and religious exchange in ancient India. The pillar features a polished finish and an inscription in Brahmi script describing Heliodorus's conversion to Vaishnavism. Visitors can see the pillar in a small park near Vidisha, surrounded by lush greenery, and read the inscription that marks one of the earliest known dedications to a Hindu deity by a foreigner.

Don't miss

Brahmi inscription detailing Heliodorus's dedication to Vasudeva
Polished sandstone column with a bell-shaped capital
Nearby ruins of an ancient temple complex

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Heliodorus pillar

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

Cheapest way inLa Mancha Food & Wine Day Trip to a Village of 685★ · 34 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$303 per personSee dates →

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