Chabimura, also known as Devtamura (meaning mountain peak of Gods), is a captivating destination that unveils the rich history and cultural heritage of the Northeastern Indian state of Tripura. Hidden amidst the lush green forests, lies an extraordinary archaeological site that has remained largely unexplored and unknown to the outside world.
Chabimura holds immense historical significance, serving as a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. The site is adorned with numerous rock carvings, dating back thousands of years, depicting religious and cultural motifs. These intricate carvings provide valuable insights into the religious practices, lifestyle, and artistic skills of the communities that inhabited the area during ancient times.
Geographic Location of Chabimura
Situated in the Gomati district of Tripura, Chabimura is nestled on the banks of the Gomati River near Amarpur, 82 km away from the state capital Agartala. The site can be reached via a picturesque boat ride from Amarpur, which adds to the charm and allure of the journey. The serene and untouched surroundings further enhance the sense of adventure and exploration.
Nestled amidst a remote landscape, this archaeological marvel appears to emerge out of nowhere from the heart of solitude. Surrounding the site, a tranquil symphony of bird songs intertwines with the gentle rustling of leaves, creating an ambiance untouched by human presence.
The Marvelous Rock Carvings
The highlight of Chabimura is undoubtedly its remarkable rock carvings, which are believed to date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These 37 carvings are etched on the vertical cliffs surrounding the area and provide a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the past. The intricate details and symbolism depicted in the carvings showcase the cultural and religious practices of the ancient civilization that once flourished in the region.
The rock carvings at Chabimura encompass various themes and symbolism, leaving visitors in awe of the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the ancient artists. One can find depictions of gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha. The carvings also portray scenes from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana, narrating the tales of valor, devotion, and righteousness.
This panel portrays different deities from Hindu mythology, each intricately carved with meticulous attention to detail. The divinities represented in this panel include Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Karthikeya, Goddess Durga, and various forms of Lord Ganesha. The awe-inspiring presence of these deities creates a mystical ambiance, leaving visitors captivated by the spiritual energy of the place.
The monolithic rock carving found at Chabimura stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic prowess of northeastern India, offering a gateway to its ancient enigmas and illuminating the captivating attributes that beckon history enthusiasts and adventurers to explore this extraordinary destination.
Cultural Significance and Festivals
Chabimura holds immense cultural significance for the people of Tripura. The site is deeply associated with the annual Chabimura Festival locally attributed to Chakrakma Hangrai will be held at picturesque Chabimura in January., during which devotees gather to pay homage to the deities represented in the rock carvings. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the site’s spiritual and historical importance.
The festival transforms the entire vicinity of Chabimura into a vibrant spectacle, adorned with ornate arches, gates, columns, and an array of banners, scrolls, and flexes. The area is further embellished with colorful flags, festive festoons, and enchanting night illuminations. Adding to the cultural extravaganza, a dedicated stage is erected at the Mela ground, hosting captivating cultural programs that showcase the diverse talents of cultural troupes hailing from various regions, including the 19 ethnic groups of Tripura.
The Legend of Princess Hirabati
Enveloping the surroundings with its captivating story, Chabimura unveils the legend of Princess Hirabati, the daughter of King Chichingfa. Once upon a time, the princess found herself abducted by the clutches of a mystical white elephant. In an act of extraordinary bravery, two valiant brothers, Rangia and Fateh, embarked on a quest to free her. Engaging in a relentless battle at Tirthamukh, they emerged victorious, rescuing the princess. To honor their heroic feat, King Chichingfa, filled with gratitude, bestowed the hand of Hirabati to Fateh, sealing their union in marriage. While the white elephant may have served as a metaphor to symbolize a significant figure, its true meaning remains a mystery to this day.
However, the tale does not reach its conclusion here. In a surprising twist, In a surprising twist, King Chichingfa, driven by his benevolence, revealed the existence of a hidden treasure concealed within a nearby cave to the two brothers. He provided them with elusive hints to decipher its location. Yet, alongside this revelation, the king issued a stern warning that the brothers must return from the cave before dark and the failure to do so would provoke the wrath of Devi Chakrama.
To this day, a sense of fear surrounds the cave after dusk, as locals firmly believe in the ominous consequences of incurring Devi Chakrama’s anger. These captivating stories shroud the area in an aura of enigmatic mystery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this place is between October and April. It is not recommended to visit during the rainy season, which occurs from July to September. The rain can cause the water level to rise, making it difficult to travel around. To have a good trip, plan to visit during the months when it is not raining.
Accommodation:
Accommodation options at Chabimura are not available. While there are a few cottages available, they can only be rented for day use between 9 AM and 5 PM. Overnight stays are not permitted in the cottages. The rental fee for the cottages is Rs200 for two hours or Rs. 1000 (for the whole day) per cottage.
How to Get There:
A road trip is the ideal way to reach Chabimura. The site can be easily accessed by taking the Udaipur-Amarpur state highway. The journey spans approximately 26 km from Udaipur to Amarpur, where you can hop on a bus to reach Amarpur. From Amarpur, a village road spanning another 10 km will lead you to the starting point of Chabimura, nestled within the Debtamura Hills. This picturesque village road passes through the charming village known as Deb Bari, adding a touch of local authenticity to your journey.
Reaching the rock carvings at this site requires a boat ride from the Rangamati area in Amarpur. The boat ride navigates through a picturesque narrow gorge nestled between hills adorned with lush forests, offering a breathtaking and unique experience.
To learn more, refer to the state tourism department website
