It
is Shaiba pilgrimage and dates back to 7th - 9th centuries if not earlier. The
marvelous rock carvings, murals with their primitive beauty, waterfalls are
not to be missed. Unakoti means one less than a crore and it is said that these
many rock cut carvings are available here. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord
Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses he made a night
halt at this location. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before
sun rise and proceed for Kashi. It is said that in the morning, except Shiva
himself, no one else could get up so set out for Kashi himself cursing the others
to become stone images as a result we have one less than a crore stone images
and carvings at Unakoti.These carvings are located at a beautifully landscaped
forest area with green vegetation all around which add to the beauty of the
carvings.
The images found at Unakoti are of two types namely 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
which itself is 10 feet high. On each side of the head-dress of the central
Shiva, there are two full size female figures - one of Durga standing on a
lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition three enormous
images of Nandi Bull are found half buried in the ground. There are various
other stone as well as rock cut images at Unakoti.
Every year a big fair popularly known as ‘Ashokastami Mela’ is held
in the month of April which is visited by thousands of pilgrims.
Location :
178 k.m. from Agartala. 8 k.m. from Kailashahar, district head quarter of
North Tripura District.
How to Reach :
From Agartala to Kailashahar by bus (fare Rs.60/-) and then by Jeep upto Unakoti
( Rs.10/-).
From Dharmanagar to Unakoti by bus ( Fare Rs.15/-) only.
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