North Tripura: Nestled amid the verdant forests of North Tripura, the ancient site of Unakoti continues to mesmerize visitors with its spectacular rock-cut sculptures and profound mythological significance. Located just 8 km from Kailashahar and about 178 km from Agartala, Unakoti is swiftly emerging as a major cultural and spiritual landmark in Northeast India.
Dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries, Unakoti is revered as an important Shaivite pilgrimage site, its name meaning “one less than a crore” (where a crore equals 10 million). Legend holds that Lord Shiva, traveling to Kashi with a crore of gods and goddesses, rested here overnight. At dawn, Shiva alone awoke, cursing the others to become stone images—thus creating the iconic carvings that adorn the forested hills.
The site is a living gallery of ancient artistry, showcasing colossal rock-carved faces of Shiva, majestic animal motifs, and intricate floral patterns etched into vertical rock faces, all blending beautifully with the lush surroundings. Natural waterfalls and the tranquil environment enhance its spiritual ambiance, making it an open-air museum of history and faith.
Unakoti is gaining attention as a cultural tourism hotspot, with visitors accommodated at places like Unakoti Tourist Lodge (Kailashahar), Juri Tourist Lodge, and Uttarmegh Tourist Lodge (Dharmanagar).
Calls are growing for Unakoti to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, as experts urge increased efforts to raise awareness and preserve this unique heritage site.
For generations, the priestly family of Annya Debbarma has maintained worship traditions here. Speaking to media, Priest Annya Debbarma shared,
“We have been performing this worship here for four generations. This ritual has continued since the Satya Yuga, through the Dvapara Yuga and into the Kali Yuga. Lord Krishna said all the gods and goddesses have made this place their abode. Narada Muni said that one crore idols must be made in a single night to sanctify the place, but the number was just short—hence the name Unakoti.”
The priest added,
“Lord Shiva is worshipped here twice a year — on January 14th and on the eighth day of Basanti Puja during Chaitra month. It is believed wishes made here are fulfilled.”
Tourists like Anuradha Tandon from Lucknow expressed awe at the site:
“We traveled a long distance to see Unakoti, dedicated to Lord Mahadev. Seeing it with our own eyes made us very happy. The place is truly beautiful.”
Unakoti remains one of India’s best-kept ancient secrets, a place where history, mythology, and nature converge to inspire awe and devotion.