The government and ASI are attempting to preserve the thousands of Shaivite rock sculptures, figures, and depictions of gods and goddesses at the site, known as Unakoti, also known as the Angkor Wat of the Northeast and contending for the UNESCO world heritage designation.
It is referred to as the Angkor Wat of the Northeast because the enormous, clearly mongoloid-shaped constructions of the rock-cut sculptures exhibit almost the same mysterious allure as the mesmerising figures in the aforementioned temple.
According to reports, the Center has asked UNESCO to list Unakoti as a World Heritage Site and has given the state INR 12 crore to help the area become a popular tourist destination.
The Tripura government has also been working hard to enhance the neighbourhood around the site in an effort to draw more and more visitors to this Northeast Indian gem.
According to sources, this shrine is a Shaiba (Saivite) pilgrimage place that dates to the seventh to ninth century and is home to stunning rock sculptures, waterfalls, and exquisite murals. It is estimated that there could be up to 99,999,99 structures extant in Unakoti, which literally translates as "one less to one crore."
This location is also very important in mythology, and according to legend, Lord Shiva stopped here at night on his way to Kashi with a million gods and goddesses.
Then he told the other gods and goddesses that they had to get up before dawn and travel to Kashi. According to folklore, only Shiva was able to awaken, so he left for Kashi alone and cursed the others to become stone statues. Thus, as a result of this curse, Unakoti still has 99,999,99 stone carvings and figures.
Unakoti is a scene that is strange and will definitely leave you in amazement, whether or not you believe in the legends and myths around it.
