Unakoti, Kailashahar, Tripura India

Unakoti dates back to the 7th century. Unakoti is famous for waterfall and a few stone images, rock cut carvings and murals. Unakoti is a pilgrimage spot for the Shaivas. The word ‘Unakoti’ means ‘one less than a crore.’ According to Hindu mythology, on the way to Kashi, Lord Shiva and ‘Unakoti’ gods and goddesses stayed back at this place, for a night. When Lord Shiva tried to wake them before dawn, they failed to get up and were cursed to stones. Therefore, the place consists of one less than a crore stone carvings or images. The most prominent of the rock cut carvings are the big Ganesha figures and the central Shiva head. The Shiva head also called the ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava’ has a height of some 30 ft and is inclusive of a head-dress that is of a height of 10 ft. On one side of the head-dress, there is a full-size figure of Goddess Durga standing on a lion and on the other side; there is a female figure. Also, three images of Nandi Bull are found to be half buried in the ground. The carvings can be foundat a landscaped forest area.n. Every year, in the month of April, a fair known as ‘Ashokastami Mela’ is held that is visited by thousands of pilgrims.