Ruins of Durga Temple, Malinithan, Arunachal Pradesh 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 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 that are discovered belong to 14th -15th century, the more important being 'Indra' on Airavat or Airabat (elephant), 'Surya' (Sun God) on Chariot, Mayurasan (peacock-seat) along with more than 100 Gods And Goddesses, dancing Yakshi, Images of erotic twins on the arch and a huge 'Nandi' bull. A Shivalinga, made of falic stone is also present over here.

The temple at Malinithan is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is built on the classical tradition of Orissa. A Legend According to a Purana, on the way to Dwarka from Bhismaknagar (also spelt as Bhishmaknagar), Sri Krishna with his newly married wife Rukmini Devi begged blessings of Goddess Parvati. Devi Parvati greeted the newly married couple with wreath. So unique was the stringing of the garland that overwhelmed Krishna called Devi Parvati as " Sucharu Malini", meaning, a lady who strings garlands beautifully - hence from Malini to Malinithan being the name.n

Malinithan is known for its ruins of the ancient Durga Temple. The site was excavated in the mid-19th century and it revealed some extremely interesting temple remains of the Goddess. The ruins were found on a 60 meter high mound.

The temple is built in a traditional style of Orissa architecture. Tertiary sandstone obtained from the upper hilly areas was used as masonry for the construction of the temple and also for the sculptural work. The stone blocks were fixed by rods and iron clamps without using any mortar.

Though in ruins the site has a beautifully designed and decorated basement of a temple, images of deities, carvings of animals, floral designs engraved, carved columns and panels. Rich granite sculptures belong to 14th-15thcentury were also found.

Amazingly, more than one hundred carvings and images of a number of Hindu gods and goddesses including Durga, Saraswati, Ganesh, Yakshas etc. were found.

The most interesting feature of the excavation was the idol of Lord Indra on Airavat (elephant), Lord Surya on a Chariot and a huge Nandi bull. A Shivalinga, made of folic stone is also a major attraction.

There is a sacred Kund near the temple that can be reached by going down a 100 meter spiral path. Devotees take a bath in this sacred Kund to seek the blessings of the Goddess.