Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba)
📍 Besnagar, Vidisha District, Madhya Pradesh 464001
Standing on the outskirts of ancient Besnagar, this monolithic sandstone column was erected around 113 BCE by Heliodorus, an ambassador sent from the Indo-Greek King Antialcidas of Taxila to the court of Shunga King Bhagabhadra. Its Brahmi inscription records that Heliodorus had adopted the Bhagavata faith and worshipped Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu), representing one of the earliest epigraphic records of Vaishnavism.
Entry Fee
Free
Best Time
Daytime
Best Season
October to March
Time Required
1–2 hours
How to reach
3 km from Vidisha railway station on the banks of the Bes river.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba)?
The entry fee for Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba) is Free.
What is the best time and season to visit Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba)?
The best season to visit is October to March, and the ideal time of day is morning or late afternoon.
How do I reach Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba)?
3 km from Vidisha railway station on the banks of the Bes river.
How much time is required to explore Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba)?
A typical visit to Heliodorus Pillar (Khamba Baba) takes around 1 to 2 hours.