Hillock of the Gods: 15th Century Carvings of Deities on Steep Mountain Walls at Chobimura

Hillock of the Gods: 15th Century Carvings of Deities on Steep Mountain Walls at Chobimura

Chobimura Sculpture

It may sound unbelievable but it’s true that one of the largest rock sculptures of Goddess Durga (Mahishasura Mardini) in our country is located in the North East of India. There are many such marvellous rock carvings in the middle of a remote rain forest at Chobimura about 82 km from Agartala, Tripura.

Chobimura Sculpture

This remarkable rock cut sculpture of Goddess Durga is carved out at 90 degrees on steep mountain walls by the river bank of Gomati and is of 10.70 metre in height and 7.70 mtr in width. The local Jamatia tribes worship her as Chakrak Ma. There are other gigantic images of Shiv, Vishnu, Kartik and other Gods and Goddesses carved all along the vertical rocky walls of this river bed in Chobimura.

Chobimura Sculpture

It’s a visual treat and Amazon river travel like experience to behold these 15th century carvings from a boat while sailing through a dense rain forest. As the boat sails through the meandering Gomati river deeper into the forest an eerie feeling prevails in the surrounding.

Chobimura Sculpture

Sometimes the silence of nature can be strange and unfathomable. In the middle of such thoughts suddenly these large rock cut carvings show up along the huge rocky walls of the river bed. It’s an absolute extravaganza of rock carving and a mind blowing spectacle since these massive carvings are least expected in such an isolated location in the rain forests of Chobimura.

Chobimura Sculpture

Very aptly this place is also called Devatamura or the “Hillock of the Gods”!! Imagine how difficult it must have been to carve these mammoth figures on such steep rocky walls. The reason for carving these exquisite figurines at such a remote location is still a mystery.

Chobimura Sculpture

There is a deep water logged cave nearby which is yet not explored completely. The local Jamatia tribes who worship the Gods believe that there is a massive snake inside the cave guarding a large bounty of ancient treasure!! In this particular carving Goddess Durga has matted/unkempt hair with several weapons in her nine hands while she clutches the hair of demon Mahishasura with her tenth hand.

Chobimura Sculpture