Virtual reality walkthrough launched at Unakoti Tirtha in Tripura by ASI to boost tourism. Visitors can explore ancient rock-cut sculptures of Shiva, Ganesha, and Durga at the historic heritage site, often called the Angkor Wat of Northeast India.
The introduction of the virtual walkthrough is aimed at attracting more tourists and providing visitors with a richer understanding of the historical and mythological significance of the site. By using digital technology, tourists can now experience the ancient carvings and landscape in an interactive format, making it easier to appreciate the artistic and cultural heritage embedded within the sacred complex.
Located in the scenic Raghunandan Hills in the northern part of Tripura, Unakoti Tirtha is considered one of the most remarkable archaeological and spiritual destinations in Northeast India. The site dates back to the 7th–9th centuries and is known for its enormous rock-cut sculptures dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities. Because of its extraordinary carvings and scale, the site is often referred to as the “Angkor Wat of Northeast India.”
The name “Unakoti” literally means “one less than a crore,” symbolizing the legendary count of 99,99,999 sculptures believed to exist in the area. The location is a rare blend of Shaivite devotion and artistic traditions influenced by classical Indian as well as indigenous tribal culture. The site is nestled within a lush forested valley, giving visitors the impression of walking through a sacred natural gallery carved into the hillsides.
Through the new virtual walkthrough facility, visitors can explore the heritage site in a visually immersive environment that replicates the natural setting and monumental sculptures. The digital tour highlights the giant carvings, scattered idols, and relief panels that define the archaeological landscape of Unakoti.
Among the most striking sculptures at the site is the colossal figure of Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, a massive 30-foot-high head of Lord Shiva adorned with an elaborate headdress. Other impressive carvings include a towering 35-foot representation of Lord Ganesha, a sculpture of Goddess Durga standing on a lion, and three enormous Nandi bulls partially embedded in the ground. These sculptures demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism of early medieval rock-cut art.
During his statement in Parliament, Shekhawat also highlighted the broader efforts of the government to digitally document India’s archaeological heritage. He noted that the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), established in 2007, has been working to prepare comprehensive national registers of unprotected monuments and antiquities across the country.
According to the minister, the mission has so far documented and published records for more than 11,406 monuments and sites as well as over 1.24 million antiquities. In addition, artefacts housed in various ASI site museums are being digitised according to NMMA standards, ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility for researchers and the public.
The digitised information is being made available through the dedicated NMMA portal, allowing scholars, heritage professionals, and visitors to access historical data online. The minister further informed the House that artefacts from the Archaeological Museum at Velha Goa and the Archaeological Museum at Nagarjunakonda have also been digitised and uploaded to the national digital platform titled “Museums of India” using JATAN software.
Shekhawat added that across the country there are 3,686 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites under the jurisdiction of the ASI. Conservation, preservation, and maintenance of these monuments are carried out continuously in accordance with the National Policy for Conservation.
| Also Read: Jishnu Dev Varma sworn in as Maharashtra’s 22nd Governor |
Officials believe that the introduction of virtual reality experiences at sites such as Unakoti will help promote cultural tourism while ensuring that heritage sites are preserved for future generations. By blending modern technology with ancient art, the initiative aims to bring India’s historic monuments closer to a global audience.
