Hidden in the deep recesses in the northern hills of the Twipra kingdom is one of the most magical and majestic places in the country- lost hills of Unakoti.

Unakoti means one less than a crore, or 99,99,999 in Bengali. There is an interesting legend which explains this exact figure. When Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore Gods and Goddesses, he made a night halt at this location. He asked all of them to wake up before sun rise. It is said that in the morning, except Shiva himself, no one else could get up. So, Shivaset out for Kashi himself, cursing the others to become stone images. As a result, there are exactly one less than a crore stone images and carvings at Unakoti.

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The images found at Unakoti are of two types, namely rock-carved figures and stone images. The sculptures are very different from classical Indian carving, and are more akin to Aztec civilisation. That could be due to the tribal influence of the region.

The most famous amongst these awe-inspiring carvings are the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures. The former, known as UnakotiswaraKalBhairava, is about 30ft high. Its most striking feature is the intricate headdress, which is 10ft high by itself.

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Unakotiwas considered a Shaiva Tirtha during the Pal era (8-12th century). Some have proposed that Unakoti may have even been a Buddhist meditation centre. Historians also speak of the carving of these stone sculptures by Tibeto-Burmese tribes when they were converted to Shaivism. But Archaeological Survey of India is yet to carry out detailed research and documentation in the region.

The gigantic boulders with their faces carved are strewn across two mountain faces, bedecked with the surrounding forest and vegetation. Some carved rock faces peep out of the overgrown vines and roots.

A good time to visit Unakoti is during the Ashokastami Festival, held in April. Thousands of saffron clad Shaive pilgrims flock this otherwise desolate site. The highlight of the fair is the sadhus taking a holy dip in the Unakoti lake.

Unakoti lies 178 km from the capital city of Agartala. The nearest railway station is Kumarghat (20 km away), and the nearest airport is Aizwal (78 km away) in Mizoram.

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