Unakoti is a historical and spiritual rock curved site for worship of Lord Shiva and other god and goddess, in the Indian state of Tripura.
HISTORY
Nesting in a lush green valley, Unakoti means one less than a crore (billion) is an exaggeration of the colossal representation of Shiva in varied forms along with other god and goddess those curved in bas-relief on the face of hillock.
These bas-relief sculptures of Shiva depicting only faces may be considered as the larges in size in India.
The art style differs from the classical and depicts typical tribal features both in decoration and anatomy. In fact, makes these as unique.
The three rock cut Ganesha figures on a rock fall, down stream of a local spring which flows right on their heads gives – a bathing scene effect.
The highly mutilated loose sculptures, some temple architectural members and traces of brick temple on the top of hillock indicate an existence of a temple perhaps prior to these rock carvings.
Datable to 9th-10th century A.D. on the basis of the Chaturmukha and Ekamukha Lingas, Umamasheswara, Mehishasuram-Ardhini, Ganesha etc.
Besides some Vaishnavite cults attest these valley as one of the Saivite centers flourishing during the Pala rule which mush have influenced the great rock cur carvings.
In due course in this region datable to 10th-12th century A.D. thus Unakoti was the great center for religious activities that flourished at least for more than 3 centuries.
The sculptures found at Unakoti are of two types – rock carved and stone carved.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once spent a night here on route to Kashi. 99,99,999 gods and goddesses followed him. He had asked his followers to wake up before sunrise and make their way towards Kashi. Unfortunately, none awoke, except Lord Shiva himself. Before he set out for Kashi alone, he put a curse on the others, turning them to stone. And that is how the site got its name. However, there are not that many sculptures found now. The place is peaceful & surrounded by lush greenery.
Gallery
LOCATION
Unakoti lies 178 km to the northeast from Agartala which has the closest airport, 8 km to the east from Kailashahar, district headquarters of Unakoti district, 148 km to the south-east from Silchar. The nearest railway station is 19.6 km away at Dharmanagar railway station on the Lumding–Sabroom section. From Dharmanagar railway station it takes about 30–40 minutes by car. Travelling from capital town Agartala has become much easier nowadays. The morning train from Agartala reaches Dharmanagar before 10 am. The afternoon train from Dharmanagar reaches Agartala by 8 PM.
Co-ordinates: 24°18’38.1″N 92°03’46.3″E
Reference: wikipedia
Best Time To Visit: August to April