Counted amongst the 7 wonders of India, ‘Unakoti Hills’ is a prime tourist attraction and a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination in the northeastern state of Tripura. Tourists and pilgrims from far off corners of the country travel here to worship and admire the huge and fabulous rock-cut images of Hindu pantheons carved on these hills that date back to period between 7th and 9th centuries. While these marvellous carvings are a prime attraction here, the splendid mountain scenery and picturesque waterfalls just add to their magical charm.
‘Unakoti’ actually means one less than a crore in Bengali and it is believed that these many rock-cut images have been carved here. According to mythological legends, once a sculptor and a devotee of Lord Shiva requested the lord and his consort, Parvati to take him to Kailash along with them. Lord Shiva then, kept a condition in front of him asking him to make one crore statues of him in one night. The sculptor worked all night carving the images but, when the figures were counted next day, they were one less than 1 crore and hence, this place got its name.
Another legend says that Lord Shiva was once travelling to Varanasi along with one crore Gods and Goddesses including him. On the way, they took some rest around these hills and before going to sleep, Lord Shiva instructed everyone to wake up at dawn to continue their journey further. In the morning, only Lord Shiva woke up and seeing everyone else still sleeping, he got enraged and cursed them to become stone sculptures and stay here forever. Since then, the hills are believed to have these images and idols carved into them. Although these legends may seem to be true, in reality, there is actually no proof as to who got these sculptures created and the reason for carving them in such a secluded place. The Archaeological Survey of India is yet to carry out a detailed study of the region.
While there are many carvings and stone idols that can captivate your hearts with their beauty and eye-catching work of art, the 30 ft. high carving of Lord Shiva’s head on the central hill, known as ‘Unikotiswara Kal Bhairava’ deserves a special mention. Complete with an elaborate hairdress that covers one-third of the relief structure impresses everyone with its sheer beauty and magnificence. Some of the other noteworthy sculptures include the gigantic figures of Ganesha, three enormous half-buried idols of Nandi bull and carving of Goddess Durga standing on the lion.
Unakoti probably has a story yet to be told; one finds a unique blend of folklore, religion and nature here under one roof but what’s most noteworthy is its craftsmanship. When you are in Tripura, this amazing site definitely warrants a visit. Also, it is best to be visited around the annual fair of Ashokashtmi that is held every year in the months of March and April.
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