Indian Temples: Unakoti Hill Temples, Tripura - Highlights

 


Unakoti Hill Temples is one of the most extraordinary archaeological and spiritual sites in India, located in the Unakoti district of Tripura, near the town of Kailashahar. The name Unakoti literally means “one less than a crore” (99,99,999), referring to the legendary belief that millions of gods once gathered here.

Unakoti is not a conventional temple complex with built structures. Instead, it is an open-air gallery of massive rock-cut sculptures, carved directly into a forested hillside, making it one of the largest rock relief sites in South Asia.

History (In Detail)

Mythological Origin

According to legend, Lord Shiva was travelling to Kashi with one crore (10 million) gods and goddesses. When they rested at this hill, Shiva asked everyone to wake up before dawn. Only Shiva woke up, and the rest remained asleep.

Angered, Shiva turned them all into stone, leaving behind one less than a crore divine figures – hence the name Unakoti.

Historical Period

Historians and archaeologists date Unakoti to between the 7th and 9th century CE, during the reign of the Deva dynasty of Tripura.

The carvings show strong influence of:

Pala art style (Bengal–Assam region)

Early Shaivite and Shakta traditions

Archaeological Significance

Unakoti is mentioned in ancient texts like:

Kalika Purana

Rajmala (royal chronicle of Tripura kings)

The site was rediscovered and documented during British rule, but systematic preservation began only after Independence.

Significance

Unakoti is significant for several reasons:

Religious Importance

Major pilgrimage site for Shaivism and Shaktism

Considered as sacred as Mount Kailash in local belief

Devotees believe prayers here bring liberation (moksha)

Cultural Importance

Unique example of tribal–Hindu cultural fusion

Worship traditions influenced by both Hindu rituals and local tribal practices

Artistic Importance

Among the largest rock relief sculptures in India

No other site has Shiva images of this scale carved on open hills

Temple Details (Full Description)

Main Carvings

1. Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava (Main Deity)

30-feet tall colossal face of Lord Shiva

Three-eyed, adorned with massive crown

Considered the guardian deity of the site

2. Goddess Durga

10-armed form killing Mahishasura

One of the earliest Durga rock reliefs in India

3. Other Deities

Ganesha

Hanuman

Surya

Vishnu

Indra

Kartikeya

Nandi (Shiva’s bull)

Water Structures

Natural springs and waterfalls flow around the sculptures and are considered holy. Pilgrims perform ritual bathing here.

Layout

Entire complex spread across forested hill

No enclosed buildings – everything carved on rock faces

Steps and pathways built by Tripura government for access

Festivals and Rituals

Major Festival:

Ashokastami Mela (March–April) – largest fair

Thousands of pilgrims from Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and Bangladesh attend.

Ritual Practices:

Abhishekam with water and milk

Tribal drumming and dance rituals

Night-long prayers to Shiva

Timings

Daily Visiting Hours:

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Best Time to Visit:

October to March (cool weather)

Ashokastami festival for cultural experience

Connectivity

By Air:

Agartala Airport – 180 km

By Rail:

Kumarghat Railway Station – 20 km

By Road:

Well connected from:

Agartala (180 km)

Dharmanagar (40 km)

Kailashahar (8 km)

Regular taxis and buses available.

Legacy

The Unakoti Hill Temples represent a rare blend of:

Mythology

Art

Tribal faith

Early Hindu spirituality

Its legacy includes:

One of India’s most mysterious sacred sites

A living testimony to rock-cut devotional art

Symbol of Tripura’s ancient Hindu heritage

Declared a nationally protected monument

Unlike mainstream temples, Unakoti offers a raw, mystical and primordial spiritual experience — worshipping gods carved directly from living mountains 

It stands today as a timeless reminder that faith can be carved not just in stone, but in entire landscapes.

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