Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Unakoti is situated in the northeastern part of Tripura, 8 km from Kailashahar. Believed to date from the 7th to 9th centuries BCE, these massive rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities are set on a stunning canvas of stone, showcasing faith, myth, and artistry. Carved into rugged rocks and moss-covered boulders, these ancient statues have silently endured for over a millennium. Their origins remain shrouded in mystery, yet their presence is awe-inspiring. This was the golden age of Shaivism in the region. Based on stylistic features, the site likely dates back to the Deva dynasty of the Samatata kingdom. Every chisel mark here tells a story, blending spiritual fervour, local craftsmanship, and divine inspiration. The sculptures are a Shaivite pilgrimage site, with carvings primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The most striking figure is the colossal Unakotiswara Kala Bhairava, where Shiva's 30-foot-tall head is adorned with a magnificent 10-foot crown. Flanking it are graceful female figures believed to be Goddess Durga and another divine deity. Nearby, a massive Ganesha is carved into the rock, with three large, partially buried Nandi bulls gazing at their master. Countless other deities and divine beings, all carved in stone, are scattered across this site, known as "Angkor Wat of Northeast India." The name "Unakoti," meaning "one less than a crore," adds a mystical aspect to the site. According to legend, when Lord Shiva embarked on a pilgrimage to Kashi with his entourage of deities, one less than a crore, he rested at this very spot for the night, urging all the deities to wake before sunrise and continue their journey to Kashi. However, in the morning, only Shiva could awaken everyone, leading him to curse them all to turn to stone, resulting in the gods and goddesses becoming stone statues. 

Another story speaks of a humble sculptor named Kallu Kumhar, a devotee of Shiva. The god challenged him to carve one crore statues in a single night. Kallu worked tirelessly but failed to complete the task. When dawn broke, the work remained unfinished, Shiva disappeared, and Kallu's magnificent, incomplete creation became Unakoti. The site was first described by A.K. Chaudhuri in his report of 1910-11, and by British Political Agent Captain Williams in 1914. The Archaeological Survey of India now preserves the site. In recognition of its unique historical, artistic, and spiritual importance, it was included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2022. India Post already issued a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation on the subject of the Trimurti of the Unakoti sculpture dated 01.01.1976 from Bhagabannagar-799282.