Unakoti, Tripura : The Unakoti Heritage Site is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura. The site dates back to the 7th – 9th centuries, if not earlier, and is a significant Shaiba (Saivite) pilgrimage center. The site is known for its magnificent rock carvings, murals, and waterfalls that attract visitors from all over the world. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore, and it is believed that there are nearly ten million rock-cut carvings in the area.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, along with one crore gods and goddesses, made a night halt at this location while on his way to Kashi. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sunrise and proceed to Kashi. However, in the morning, except for Lord Shiva himself, no one else could get up. As a result, Lord Shiva set out for Kashi himself, cursing the others to become stone images. This is believed to be the reason for the plethora of stone images and carvings at Unakoti.
The carvings at Unakoti are located in a beautifully landscaped forest area with green vegetation all around, adding to the beauty of the carvings. The images found at Unakoti are of two types: rock-carved figures and stone images. Among the rock-cut carvings, the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures deserve special mention. The central Shiva head, known as ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava,’ is about 30 feet high, including an embroidered head-dress that itself is 10 feet high. On each side of the head-dress of the central Shiva, there are two full-sized female figures – one of Durga standing on a lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition, three enormous images of the Nandi Bull are found half-buried in the ground.
The Unakoti Heritage Site is also home to various other stone and rock-cut images, which are worth exploring. Every year, a big fair, popularly known as the ‘Ashokastami Mela,’ is held in the month of April, attracting thousands of pilgrims. The fair is a significant event in the region, and people from all over the country come to visit the Unakoti Heritage Site during this time.
In conclusion, the Unakoti Heritage Site is a remarkable destination that attracts visitors with its rock-cut carvings, murals, and waterfalls. The site’s religious significance and mythological story add to its charm and make it a must-visit place for anyone interested in exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.
Unakoti is a popular heritage site located in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura. It can be reached by train, bus, and airplane. Here are some of the ways to reach Unakoti:
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Unakoti is Kumarghat Railway Station, located approximately 130 km away. Trains from major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai connect to Kumarghat Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Unakoti.
By Bus:
Unakoti is well connected by road with major cities in the region. The nearest major bus station is in Kailashahar, located approximately 8 km from Unakoti. Regular buses run from Kailashahar to other cities in the region, including Guwahati, Agartala, and Shillong.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Unakoti is Agartala Airport, located approximately 170 km away. Agartala Airport is well connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Unakoti.
In conclusion, Unakoti can be reached by train, bus, and airplane. The nearest railway station is Kumarghat Railway Station, the nearest major bus station is in Kailashahar, and the nearest airport is Agartala Airport. From these transportation hubs, you can easily reach Unakoti by hiring a taxi or taking a bus.
