Athkhamba or Ath Khamba, Near Gyaraspur Bus stand, District Vidisha, MP, India.
Gyaraspur is historically the main attraction of Vidisha district. Once this city was known as Besnagar, also it was referred as Bhelsa. It was an important part of the kingdom of Emperor Ashoka. Devi, the wife of Emperor Ashoka, was from Vidisha, who was the daughter of a Merchant. She was known as Vedisa-Mahadevi. It might be named Vidisha after her name. Ath Khamba Or Athkhamba
is an eight pillars ancient structure located near the Gyaraspur Bus Stand.
is a spectacular protected monument, which is the remnant of a very ornate ancient Shiva temple. It is built of eight pillars of sandstone, which are situated on a high platform. These are excellent examples of fine stone art. Immense reverence of Parmar rulers is noteworthy in these relics. The workmanship is extremely excellent and resembles that of Khajuraho though small in size. The hall is large, whose roof is based on four pillars having decorated pillar capitals and exposed beams. The roof is also of stone and the ceiling is embellished with various artistic figures. There is an intermediate space between the main pavilion and the sanctum sanctorum which has no roof, and beautiful stone archway on the lines of the garland. The two ends of this Garland like archway are holding two elephants which are situated above the yakshas the custodian of the temple. These stone pillars are very attractive, in addition to sculptures of various Hindu deities, the figures of chains and bells are also carved on the round stone pillars. Lord Vishnu’s sculpture in the center, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Sarasvati, Graceful Beauties, and many decorative motifs are carved on the Doorjamb, Beams, pillars etc seems to be the entrance to the main Shrine. One of the circular pillar bears an inscription in Sanskrit language about a devotee visited in 982 AD.
It’s also a ninth century monument and a major attraction among the tourists though quite lesser known. This monument is managed by the Archaeological survey of India.
