Unakoti Rock Carvings

Unakoti, meaning one less than a crore, is a remarkable archaeological and pilgrimage site located about 178 km northeast of Agartala near Kailashahar. The hillside is covered with enormous rock-cut carvings and bas-reliefs of Hindu deities believed to date from the 7th to 9th centuries. The most striking is a giant 30-foot carved head of Shiva called Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, surrounded by carved images of Ganesha, Durga, Nandi, and other deities. According to legend, the god Shiva was travelling with a crore of gods and goddesses but only those who woke at dawn could continue the journey. One less than a crore failed to wake and were turned to stone here. The site is set within lush forest with waterfalls and streams adding to its mystical atmosphere. It is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.