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Friday, March 15, 2019

Malinithan Temple Ruins, Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh

Malinithan Temple Ruins, Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh
Malinithan is an archaeological site which consists of ruins of a Hindu Temple of the early medieval period on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The archaeological site is located at the base of the Siang mountains in the Likabali town and a sub-division of the Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on a hill that rises to a height of 21 metres (69 ft), which affords a commanding view of the plains around it and of the Brahmaputra River.


The archaeological studies of the ruins indicate that the temple was built with granite stones during the period of Hinduism influence in the region, distinct from the other temples in the northeastern region built with bricks. The fame of Malinithan as a holy place of worship draws a large number of visitors and pilgrims. In addition to pilgrim, Malinithan also has some interesting trekking and hiking trails to the Siang Hills.


Legends
In local mythology, it is said that when Krishna wanted to marry Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, he abducted her prior to her wedding with Shishupala. Krishna and Rukmini, then travelled from Bhishmaka Nagar to Dwarka, stopping at Malinithan on the way over, where they were guests of Shiva and Durga, who were doing penance. Parvati, Shiva's consort, warmly welcoming her guests, presented them with garlands made of flowers plucked from her orchard. Krishna was so enamored by the beauty and the scent of the flowers that he addressed Parvati as Malini, meaning "the mistress of the garden", and since then the place is named as Malinithan.


History
It was built by Chutiya king Lakshminarayan in the early 15th century. This was the period when the Chutiya kings had started settling Brahmins in different areas of their kingdom offering them land grants. Durga / Kechai-Khaiti is believed to be the chief deity who was worshipped in the ruined temple in her Shakthi form. The archaeological finds at the site of sculptures of Durga, a Shiva Linga and a bull, the mount of Shiva, relates to Shiva cult. Based on these, archaeologists have inferred that the Shakti cult was practiced in the region.


A copper plate inscription of the Pala Kings gives further confirmation that an Aryan colony existed on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra in the northeastern region where worship of Shiva and Parvati was in vogue. It was one of the three leading centers of Shaktism; the other two centers are stated to be Bhaghawati, the mother goddess at Gorehoga village in North Lakhimpur, and Hahithan in Dhakuakhana in the west end Tamresari in the east.


There was also then the influence of the Vasudeva cult, the earliest form of Vaishnavism in Assam, which was followed during the reign of Mahabhuti Varman (554 AD). From all archaeological evidences at the site, archaeologists have opined that the temple belonged to the medieval period in India. 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 Temple Ruins
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 archaeological excavations revealed a very well designed and carved plinth of a temple, of 8 feet (2.4 m) height, sculptures of deities and animals, designs of flowers, damaged columns and panels. Four sculptures of lions on two elephants were found at the four corners of the ruins of the temple.


Among the sculptures found at Malinithan, five notable ones carved out of granite stone are of Indra riding his mount AiravataKartikeya riding a peacock, Surya (Sun) riding a chariot, and Ganesha mounted over a mouse, and a large Nandi bull. An image of a female without the head was unearthed during the excavations, which represented Malini who was the lover of Shiva.


On the basis of the erotic Maithuna sculptures found here in different postures it is believed that tantrism prevailed here as a fertility rite of the primitive tribal people who held the "mother principal as the procreative power of nature". The Image of the goddess Durga found here is known as "Pupane", an ancient name for the Divine Mother. The temple dedicated is built on the classical tradition of Orissa. 


Connectivity
The Site is located at about 2 Kms from Likabali, 9 Kms from Silapathar Railway Station, 59 Kms from Dibrugarh, 68 Kms from Dibrugarh Airport, 101 Kms from North Lakhimpur Airport, 154 Kms from West Siang, 174 Kms from Itanagar and 477 Kms from Guwahati. Malinithan is located in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division. By bus or car one can easily reach Malinithan from Guwahati (Assam). One can also take a bus from Itanagar. Nearest railway station is at Silapathar, Assam. From here you can pick a bus to Malinithan. The nearest airport is located at North Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh in Assam. A helipad is also situated at Along. From here you can pick a bus to Malinithan.

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