Unakoti

Unakoti is a hillside Shaivite pilgrimage site in Unakoti district, known for its large rock-cut sculptures and reliefs, some of the biggest bas-reliefs in India. The carvings are thought to date from the 7th century or before. The name means one short of a crore, the number of images the site is traditionally said to hold.

Legend says Shiva stopped here for a night with a crore of gods and goddesses on the way to Kashi and told them to rise before dawn. Only he woke, so he went on alone and turned the rest to stone. The main figure is the head of Shiva called Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, about 30 feet high including a 10-foot ornamented headdress, flanked by Durga on a lion and another female figure; huge carvings of Ganesha are also notable. The Ashokastami Mela draws large numbers of pilgrims each April, and Khowrabil lake at Kailashahar is close by.