Unakoti, nestled in the lush forests of Tripura, is an ancient site featuring intricate stone carvings and sculptures of deities on a mountainside. This archaeological wonder, located 10 kilometers from Kailashahar, remains shrouded in mystery, captivating visitors with its unanswered questions about its creators and era of construction.Once accessible only by foot through dense jungles, Unakoti is now reachable via a road from Dharmanagar to Kailashahar. The site features numerous idols of gods and goddesses, including prominent images of Uma-Maheshwar, five-faced Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Ravana. The colossal figure of Kal-Bhairava (Shiva) and the four-faced idol, despite its damaged fourth face, are particularly notable.
Historians and archaeologists debate the origins of Unakoti's sculptures. Some date them to the 8th or 9th century, suggesting it was a Shaiva-Tirtha during the Pala dynasty, while others believe it predates this period or was a Buddhist meditation center. The diversity in carving styles indicates they were created over different periods, influenced by various religious sects, symbolizing religious unity. Natural calamities have damaged some carvings, yet their magnificence endures. A picturesque spring cascades down the hill, forming Sitakund, a cavern filled with cool, refreshing water. This pond is cherished by pilgrims, especially during Ashokastami and Makar Sankranti, attracting large gatherings for holy dips. Legends add to Unakoti's mystical charm. One story says the name "Unakoti" signifies an assembly of deities, one less than a crore. It is said that Lord Shiva, with a multitude of gods and goddesses, halted at Raghunandan Hill on their way to Varanasi. While Shiva awoke at dawn to continue the journey, the others, still asleep, turned into stone images. Another tale speaks of Kalu, a devotee who failed to complete a crore of deities, leaving the last idol unfinished and giving the site its name.
Unakoti is closely linked to the history of Kailashahar. A descendant of King Jujhar Fa, a Shiva devotee who initiated the Tripurabda (Tripuri Calendar), worshipped near Unakoti in a village called Chhambulnagar. Some believe Chhambulnagar was the former name of Kailashahar, derived from the belief that Shiva (Har) resided in Kailash. The name evolved to Kailashahar over time. In the 7th century, Tripura king Adi Dharmapha is said to have performed a grand yagna here, solidifying the name Kailashahar. Today, Unakoti is a significant tourist destination in Tripura and the North-East. Pilgrims and tourists from across the globe visit this site, drawn by its historical and spiritual significance. Accessible via Kailashahar or Dharmanagar, the journey to Unakoti is relatively short, taking about 20 minutes from Kailashahar and 45 minutes from Dharmanagar.The creation of these marvelous rock carvings and stone images in such a secluded forest remains a mystery. The hilly terrain, the flowing spring, the chirping of birds, and the scattered idols all contribute to Unakoti's unique allure, fascinating visitors who pay homage to the unknown sculptors and marvel at the enduring beauty and mystery of this archaeological treasure.