Malinithan Temple

Overview

Malinithan is a temple site in ruins. It is situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division of West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is only 1 Km east of Likabali, the nearest administrative centre. Relics of stone images of Malinithan came to be noted from the early twenties of the present century. In course of series of excavation from 1968 and ending 1971, ruins of temples and valuable scriptures were unearthed at this site. The fame of Malinithan as a holy place of worship draws a large number of visitors and piligrims. The site excavated has beautifully designed and decorated basement of a temple, divine images, icons of deities, animal motifs and floral designs, carved columns and panels. These rich granite sculptures belong to 14-15 Century, the more important being Indra on Airavat, Surya on Chariot and huge Nandi bull. The temple dedicated to Goddess Durga at Malinithan is built on the classical tradition of Odisha.

About the Deity

According to the local legend associated with the place, Lord Krishna carried away Rukmini the daughter of King Bhismaka on the eve of her marriage with Shishupal. Krishna and Rukmini were welcomed here by Parvati with garlands. Parvati thus acquired the name Malini and the place Malinithan.

Accommodation

Malinithan offers very limited option for accommodation with a Circuit House and an Inspection Bungalow. While on a visit to this temple, tourists and devotees can also opt to stay at Likabali, which is dotted with various budget and mid budget hotels and lodges.

Best time to visit

Rare facts

Citation of ancient literature on two different architecture forms like Asmamayji and Ama is available there. All the material that used for constructing various temples of Malinithan along with its pillars and sculptures are of olden type. Thus, it is quite different type of material in comparison to rest of Assam. In Assam, bricks were prevalent in construction industry that time. From the hill areas which is at some distance from Malinithan, tertiary stones were emerged which was used in form of masonry to construct temple and sculpture work. The dowels were used to fix stone blocks and also, it was used to fix iron clamps. Thus, there was no use of mortar in construction of temples.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airports to this temple are Mohanbari Airport and Lilabari Airport in Assam, which are located at the distance of about 60 km and 95 km respectively. Tourists can also opt for the helicopter services that are available from Guwahati to Dibrugarh. Bus and hired taxi services are available from the airport to Malinithan. The closest airport to the temple is Silapathar Railway Station in Assam, located at a distance of about 10 km.

RoadAir

Bus and hired taxi services are available outside the station to Malinithan. The place is well connected through road with major cities within the state and Assam. But it is advisable to opt for sturdy vehicles while getting to this place, as the roads are note well maintained. The Likabali bus stop and the Silapathar bus stand are the closest bus stands to Malinithan temple.