When we think of grand stone carvings and spiritual art, Angkor Wat in Cambodia often comes to mind. But did you know that a lesser-known site nestled in Northeast India rivals its charm and mystery? Known as Unakoti in India, this ancient rock site is a cultural marvel carved into the lush hills of Tripura.
Despite its scale and spiritual importance, Unakoti remains off the radar for most travelers. Here are five fascinating things you probably didn’t know about this archaeological wonder that many call India’s Angkor Wat.
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1. Unakoti in India Is Home to One of the Largest Bas-Relief Carvings in the World
One of the most astounding features of Unakoti in India is the gigantic rock-cut face of Lord Shiva, known as Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava. Standing about 30 feet high, this sculpture dominates the cliff face with intricate detailing and powerful expression.
Surrounding this massive figure are numerous smaller carvings of deities, animals, and mythological motifs—all etched directly into the hillside. The sheer size and artistry of these carvings make Unakoti one of the largest bas-relief sites in Asia.
What’s more impressive? These masterpieces were carved without modern tools, using only chisels and hammers by unknown artisans centuries ago.
2. The Site’s Name Means “One Less Than a Crore”
The word Unakoti literally means “one less than a crore” in Bengali (i.e., 99,99,999). According to local legends, Lord Shiva was traveling with 10 million gods and goddesses to Kashi (Varanasi). He halted for the night at this hill and asked his companions to wake up early for the onward journey.
By dawn, only Shiva woke up. Enraged, he turned the rest into stone. That’s why the site is believed to contain 99,99,999 stone figures, all frozen in time by Shiva’s wrath. Thus, the name Unakoti in India carries both numerical and mythological significance.
3. Unakoti Predates Many Major Indian Temples
While exact dating is still debated, many experts estimate that Unakoti in India dates back to the 7th to 9th century AD—making it older than many renowned Indian temples like Khajuraho or Konark.
The site blends tribal influence with Hindu iconography, suggesting that it evolved outside the mainstream temple-building traditions. This gives Unakoti a unique place in Indian archaeological history—it’s raw, remote, and radically different.
Despite being such an ancient heritage site, Unakoti was only added to the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2022.
4. You Won’t Find a Traditional Temple Here
Unlike typical pilgrimage sites, Unakoti in India doesn’t have temple structures or inner sanctums. Instead, the entire hill serves as a shrine, with rock carvings directly sculpted onto cliffs and boulders.
This open-air format adds a dramatic and spiritual feel to the experience. Walking through moss-covered steps and forest paths, visitors encounter carved figures emerging from the earth itself—making it feel more like a sacred forest than a formal temple.
Rain, sunlight, and time all interact with the sculptures, giving them a dynamic and living presence.
5. Unakoti’s Revival Is Just Beginning
For centuries, Unakoti in India remained buried under jungle overgrowth and neglect. But recent efforts by the Tripura government and the Archaeological Survey of India are slowly bringing this forgotten site back into the spotlight.
Unakoti has now become part of India’s cultural tourism campaigns and is being promoted as a major spiritual destination in the Northeast. Annual festivals like the Ashokashtami Mela now attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.
With increasing awareness and infrastructure development, Unakoti is poised to become not only a sacred heritage site but also one of India’s most unique travel destinations.
India is full of hidden gems, but few are as spiritually rich and visually grand as Unakoti in India. With its towering stone faces, mythological legends, and ancient artistry, it offers an unforgettable experience far from crowded tourist trails.
Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who loves the unexplored, Unakoti in India is a must-visit. Its mystique, scale, and cultural depth make it worthy of its nickname—India’s Angkor Wat.
