India Mint Stamp
Lokith Philately
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Tripura
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Tripura
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Date of issue: 01.01.1976
Date of issue: 01.01.1976
Pin code: 799279
Pin code: 799279
Status: Active
Status: Active
PO Name: Bhagabannagar
PO Name: Bhagabannagar
Description: Unakoti is located in the northeastern part of Tripura, 8 km from Kailashahar and 185 km from Agartala. The huge rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities dated to be from the 8th-9th century B.C. are situated in a beautiful landscape with greenery and vegetation and a stream running down the central part of the hills, symbolizing ancient Shaivite worship. Unakoti is a fascinating site, rich in history and religious significance, particularly about Shaivite worship. The rock-cut sculptures are not only impressive due to their size and detail but also because they have survived for centuries, offering insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient times. The name "Unakoti," meaning "one less than one crore," adds a mystical aspect to the site, hinting at a vast number of deities, with the notable absence of one. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi with one crore gods and goddesses, he had taken night rest at this place. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sunrise and proceed to Kashi. It is said that in the morning no one except Shiva could wake up, so he left for Kashi and cursed others to become stone idols, as a result of which we have no less than one crore stone idols and carvings at Unakoti. The prominence of the Unkotishwar Kala Bhairava sculpture further emphasizes the site's importance in Shaivite tradition, with its unique tribal influences evident in the art. This site is indeed a treasure trove for those interested in ancient Indian art, history, and religion.
Description: Unakoti is located in the northeastern part of Tripura, 8 km from Kailashahar and 185 km from Agartala. The huge rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities dated to be from the 8th-9th century B.C. are situated in a beautiful landscape with greenery and vegetation and a stream running down the central part of the hills, symbolizing ancient Shaivite worship. Unakoti is a fascinating site, rich in history and religious significance, particularly about Shaivite worship. The rock-cut sculptures are not only impressive due to their size and detail but also because they have survived for centuries, offering insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient times. The name "Unakoti," meaning "one less than one crore," adds a mystical aspect to the site, hinting at a vast number of deities, with the notable absence of one. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi with one crore gods and goddesses, he had taken night rest at this place. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sunrise and proceed to Kashi. It is said that in the morning no one except Shiva could wake up, so he left for Kashi and cursed others to become stone idols, as a result of which we have no less than one crore stone idols and carvings at Unakoti. The prominence of the Unkotishwar Kala Bhairava sculpture further emphasizes the site's importance in Shaivite tradition, with its unique tribal influences evident in the art. This site is indeed a treasure trove for those interested in ancient Indian art, history, and religion.
The earliest reference to this place of Lord Shiva is found in the work of A.K. It is described in the report of Chowdhury 1910-11 and the writings of British political agent Captain Williams (1914). Archaeological Survey of India also published its description in its annual report 1921 - 22. In 2022, it was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The earliest reference to this place of Lord Shiva is found in the work of A.K. It is described in the report of Chowdhury 1910-11 and the writings of British political agent Captain Williams (1914). Archaeological Survey of India also published its description in its annual report 1921 - 22. In 2022, it was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.