Unakoti

Nestled in the lush greenery of Tripura, India, lies the spectacular and mysterious archaeological site of Unakoti. This less-known treasure is home to an ancient collection of rock reliefs and carvings that date back to between the 7th and 9th centuries. Unakoti, which literally means "one less than a crore" in Bengali, is a Shaivite pilgrimage site featuring numerous gigantic bas-relief sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The centerpiece of Unakoti's religious art is a 30-foot high carving of Shiva's head, known as 'Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava', which is accompanied by figures of goddesses, Ganesha, and other deities hewn into the rocky hillside. It is believed that these works were created by ancient artists under the patronage of a king or a local chieftain, though the exact origins remain shrouded in myth and legend.

According to local folklore, Unakoti is the site where Lord Shiva rested for a night while leading a procession of one crore gods to Varanasi. To teach a lesson to the other gods who failed to wake up before sunrise, Shiva cursed them to become stone images, hence the name Unakoti.

The site is not only a marvel of religious significance but also an exemplar of intricate rock-cut architecture. Each year, Unakoti hosts the Ashokastami Mela, a popular fair that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, providing a unique insight into the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.