Malinithan

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 Orissa.

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.
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. The site is just 1 km from Likabali city and is about 185 km from the state capital Itanagar. Along is the district headquarters of West Siang which is about 140 km from Malinithan.

West Siang District is bounded in the North by China, on the East by Upper Siang & East Siang districts, on the South by Assam and on the West by Upper Subansiri & Lower Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Sipu and Siyom Rivers flow through the district.

Malinithan derives its name from the legendary story associated with Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna appraised Goddess Parvati as "Sucharu Malini". From the word Malini the site became popular as Malinithan.

Malinithan is a sacred temple site located near Likabali city of Arunachal Pradesh. This holy place of worship is visited by a huge number of pilgrims every year.

In addition to pilgrim, Malinithan also has some interesting trekking and hiking trails to the Siang Hills.

Archeological and historical lovers also enjoy their trip to this site that has interesting arte facts about ancient culture.

There is not much habitation in Malinithan. The habitation area is Likabali city from where pilgrims and visitors come to Malinithan for a visit.

Likabali, the border city between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a under political unrest due to disputes over the boundary. This has affected the inflow of people to Malinithan.