Tripura : Unakoti Seeks UNESCO World Heritage Tag

AGARTALA : In order to preserve lakhs of Shaivate rock carvings and murals of gods and goddesses, Unakoti is now seeking UNESCO world heritage tag. Unakoti, popularly known as Angkor Wat of the Northeast, is vying for a tag along with the government and the ASI.

Panna Lal Roy, an historical expert of Assam revealed that the rock cut sculptures are massive and has an unique display almost similar to the extraordinary figures in Angkor Wat of Cambodia, that's where the Angkor Wat of Northeast name came from.

Patna Lal Roy is engaged with the study of sculptures since a long time now. As per the report, the Centre has urged UNESCO to include Unakoti as a World Heritage Site.

Along with it, Rs 12 crore has been sanctioned to the state to develop and construct the place as one of the major tourist destinations. Panna Lal Roy further mentioned that, Tripura is constructing the areas near the site to attract tourists towards this unique treasure of the region.

Unakoti has its roots attached in the 7th-9th century. It was a Saivite pilgrimage site that consist of various rock carvings and murals. Unakoti also has beautiful waterfalls. The place is called Subrai Khung in Kokborok language, and is a majot tourist attraction in Tripura. 

It is located in the Unakoti district in Tripura. Apart from being visually stunning, the place holds mythological importance as well. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva along with one crore gods and goddesses went for Kashi and stopped at this site for the night. He asked everyone to wake up before sunrise. As none of them could wake up before sunrise, lord Shiva left for Kashi alone and cursed all of them to become stone images. Unakoti was born as a result of this curse. 

The place is surrounded by a beautiful forest with greenery all around. Ashokastami Mela is celebrated every year in the site in the month of April, in the presence of a large number of pilgrims.

Also Read : CM Announces Development of Lachit Barphukan Samadhi

Also Watch :