By Atul Malhotra (15th July, 2008)
Most of the travelers who visit Bhopal, and if they have a day to spare,
probably go to more famous Sanchi. But most of them easily overlook the
seemingly small village of Vidisha, a well preserved and less explored by
tourists, displays some very amazing vestiges of Sankyan architecture. The
tiny hamlet lies 60km from Bhopal and 10km from Sanchi, in the fork of the
Betwa and Beas rivers. It is among one of the ancient cities of India.
It is a treasure trove of rich historical artifacts dating back to
thousands of years. The famous Udaigiri Caves bestows the glory of Vidisha,
just 5km drive from desolate Vidisha railway station. These amazing
extravanganza of ancient architecture had been carved out of a towering
sandstone hill. There are total 20 such caves, mostly dedicated to various
Hindu deities. These caves are like small chambers enshrining idols or
images of God and Goddess. According to inscription on wall of the caves,
the probable time of establishment of these caves was during 1st century BC
under powerful dynasty of Cheti. Later on Chandragupta II cut these caves
for his personal use. The caves are therefore vital and rich expression of
Gupta art. pillars bear the 'vase and foliage' pattern typifying a renewal
of faith - one of the most graceful forms in India.
Most interesting is cave 5, which has carefully preserved a 4m tall image
of Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation lies practically undamaged. Other
important relic is a Brahmanical shrine dating back to before a 2nd century
BC. Other important nice place to visit in Vidisha is Heliodorus Pillar
popularly known as Khamb Baba, a rather strange tall monolithic free
standing column. The inscriptions on the pillar says that it was a Garuda
Pillar raised by Heliodorus, a resident of Taxila, in honour of Vasudeva. It
bears that Greek ambassador turned a Lord Vishnu devotee. The inclusion of
the name Antialkidas dates the pillar to 140 B.C.
One can also visit the lonely Lohangi Rock, rests on an isolated sandstone
hill, paradoxically at the centre of the city. It is about 7km high with a
flat top. After the not so difficult climb, one is rewarded with a startling
view of the whole town, practically laid out at one's feet.
Related Guide Links
Ujjain
Gwalior
Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh National Park
Kanha National Park
Sanchi Stupa
