Malinithan

Malinithan is an archaeological site with ruins of a Hindu temple located on a hillock at Likabali in Lower Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the border with Assam. Excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1968 and 1971, the site contains granite sculptures, carvings and temple foundations dated to the 13th to 15th century and attributed to the Chutiya kingdom. It is notable for its religious association and sculptural remains.

Visitors can expect a hilltop archaeological complex with scattered granite temple ruins, stone sculptures of deities, animal motifs and floral carvings, and foundation remains of the main temple. The site is set on a small hill offering views of the surrounding plains and forests. Visitors explore open-air ruins, excavated plinths, and displayed sculptures maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India in a quiet, forested setting.

Malinithan was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India from 1968 to 1971, revealing ruins of a stone temple complex dated to the 13th to 15th century, generally attributed to the Chutiya kingdom that ruled the region. The site yielded granite images, sculptures of Hindu deities, erotic Maithuna sculptures, and architectural fragments indicating a once elaborate temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is one of the important archaeological sites in Arunachal Pradesh.

The site is traditionally associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, where Goddess Parvati as Malini is said to have garlanded them during their journey, giving the place the name Malinithan. The temple is revered as a Shakti shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga (Malini) and remains a place of pilgrimage and cultural importance for local communities.