Unakoti: The Hill of "One Less than a Crore"

Nestled within the beautiful hills and forests of Tripura lies a unique archaeological site called Unakoti, meaning 'one less than a crore', due to the belief that there are 99,99,999 images of Gods and Goddesses here.

The Origin of the Name

One of the most popular myths that have originated from this place is that there was a devoted sculptor named Kallu Kumhar who wanted to join Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva agrees to let him do so but only if he manages to create one crore divine Images before sunrise. Kallu worked till the early hours of the morning but still wasn’t able to complete the required amount – missing out on just one sculpture. As the sun rose he was left with his incomplete work hence the name Unakoti.

It is believed that Lord Shiva was travelling with a crore of deities and told them to wake up before sunrise. When they were unable to do so he turned them into stone.

The Outdoor Gallery

Unakoti is most famous for its large open-air rock sculptures and relief artwork. The most iconic sculpture here is the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava – a large statue of Lord Shiva, standing around 30ft tall (including the ornate headdress). There are many carvings of Ganesha, Durga and other mythological characters here too.

These sculptures date back mainly between the 7th to 9th Century CE. The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites.

A Pilgrimage Site

Unakoti is also an important pilgrimage site. Every year in April there is an annual festival called the Ashokastami Mela which attracts thousands of people.

Every carving at Unakoti has a story behind it.

A Story from the Northeast

Unakoti is a reminder of how the Northeast holds stories that deserve a much wider audience. Beyond its landscapes and cultural diversity, the region is home to centuries-old heritage, remarkable craftsmanship and legends passed down through generations.

Places like Unakoti show that the Northeast's history is not just something to preserve, but a story worth discovering, sharing and celebrating