Chabimura Rock Carvings
The Chabimura Rock Carvings are a series of massive panels carved into the vertical cliffs of the Kalajhari hills, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These carvings depict various deities from the Hindu pantheon, including Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, and Ganesha. The most spectacular of thes e is the colossal image of Goddess Durga in her Mahishasuramardini form, locally revered as Chakrak Ma. Standing at about 11 meters in height, it is one of the largest rock-cut images of the goddess in India. The carvings were created during a period of Brahmanical revival in Tripura and are unique because they are situated on a 90-degree steep rock face that descends directly into the river. The precision and scale of these artworks, executed in light yellow sandstone, continue to baffle historians and archaeologists regarding the tools and techniques used by the ancient artisans. The site remained hidden for centuries due to the dense forest and the difficult river terrain, preserved by the local tribal communities who considered the area sacred. Each panel tells a story, with the Panchadevata panel showing five deities and another panel depicting a royal procession with a queen in a palanquin. The mystical aura of the place is enhanced by the surrounding rainforest, which makes the carvings appear as if they are emerging naturally from the earth. Visiting these carvings is a spiritual and historical odyssey that highlights the rich artistic legacy of the Manikya kings of Tripura.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological Site & HeritaEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee Accessing the carvings is free of charge. The only cost is the boat rental, which is usually Rs.1500 for a full trip. Small donations at the shrines are voluntary. ...No Entry Fee Accessing the carvings is free of charge. The only cost is the boat rental, which is usually Rs.1500 for a full trip. Small donations at the shrines are voluntary.Timing:
Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset You must visit during daylight hours as the gorge is dangerous at night.
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM This is when the sunlight hits the rock face directly, making the carvings clearly visible f...Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset You must visit during daylight hours as the gorge is dangerous at night.
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM This is when the sunlight hits the rock face directly, making the carvings clearly visible for study.Special Events:
Makar Sankranti Prayers During Makar Sankranti in January, local tribes perform special rituals at the base of the carvings. The river is decorated with floating lamps, creating a surreal and holy atmosphere. It is a time when the carvings are believed to be at their most powerful. ...Makar Sankranti Prayers During Makar Sankranti in January, local tribes perform special rituals at the base of the carvings. The river is decorated with floating lamps, creating a surreal and holy atmosphere. It is a time when the carvings are believed to be at their most powerful.Best Photo Spots:
Direct Frontal of Chakrak Ma The best shot is from the boat at a distance of 20 meters, capturing the full height of the 11-meter carving. The Narrow Gorge Angle Photograph the carvings with the steep cliffs and the river below to show the dramatic location. Close-up of the Serpent Hair A zoom...Direct Frontal of Chakrak Ma The best shot is from the boat at a distance of 20 meters, capturing the full height of the 11-meter carving. The Narrow Gorge Angle Photograph the carvings with the steep cliffs and the river below to show the dramatic location. Close-up of the Serpent Hair A zoom lens will help capture the incredible detail of the goddess's hair and weapons.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Detailed Artistic Observation Use the boat stop time to study the intricate details of the Chakrak Ma carving, especially the serpent hair. Religious Offering Many locals offer flowers and prayers at the base of the goddess carving; you can join in this spiritual practice. Rock Photography Capture the scale of the carvings by including your boat in the frame for size comparison. Historical Sketching If you are an artist, the stable areas near the carvings provide a great spot for quick landscape sketching. Guided History Tour Hire a local guide to explain the meaning behind the Panchadevata and other minor panels. Eco-Trekking Explore the small trails near the carvings that lead to ancient caves used by hermits. Meditation Experience the profound silence of the gorge in front of the Shiva carving for a few minutes of peace. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Sub Place Why Famous:
Largest Durga Rock Carving
Sub Place Why Famous: This site is world-renowned for housing the largest rock-cut image of Goddess Durga in the world. It is a masterpiece of medieval Tripuri...Sub Place Why Famous:
Largest Durga Rock Carving
Sub Place Why Famous: This site is world-renowned for housing the largest rock-cut image of Goddess Durga in the world. It is a masterpiece of medieval Tripuri art that rivals the famous carvings of Unakoti. Its fame also stems from its "hidden" nature, as it can only be reached by boat through a jungle gorge. The carvings represent a unique fusion of mainstream Hindu iconography and local tribal aesthetics. -
Architecture:
Monolithic Bas-Relief Panels Dimension: The main Durga carving is 11 meters high and 8 meters wide. The Panchadevata panel measures approximately 9 meters by 5 meters. The architecture of these carvings is characterized by the "Bas-Relief" technique, where figures are ca...Monolithic Bas-Relief Panels Dimension: The main Durga carving is 11 meters high and 8 meters wide. The Panchadevata panel measures approximately 9 meters by 5 meters. The architecture of these carvings is characterized by the "Bas-Relief" technique, where figures are carved into the sandstone wall with varying depths to create a 3D effect. The hair of Goddess Durga is intricately carved to look like serpents, a distinct tribal artistic influence. The panels are positioned high above the water level, which has protected them from erosion for over 500 years. The layout follows a linear progression along the river bank, suggesting a planned religious circuit. -
How To Reach:
By Air Fly to Agartala and then take a taxi to Amarpur. By Train Train to Udaipur station and then a local bus to Amarpur. By Road Drive from Amarpur to the Chabimura boat point, which takes about 20 minutes. By Local Transport The final leg of the journey is exclusively by boat from the Cha... -
Near Tourist Places:
Tirthamukh (50 KMs), Dumboor Lake (46 KMs), Tripura Sundari Temple (35 KMs), Udaipur (30 KMs), Amarsagar (11 KMs), Fatiksagar (12 KMs), Sepahijala (68 KMs), Neermahal (58 KMs), Agartala (92 KMs), Pilak (72 KMs)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety Do not attempt to climb the rock faces as they are very slippery and steep. Packing Bring a waterproof bag for your camera and phone as water splashes are common on the boat. Accommodation The Sagarika Parjatan Niwas in Amarpur is the closest decent stay. Cash & Connectivity ...
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