Ruins of 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.
Ruins of Durga Temple
About Ruins of Durga Temple :
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.
Ruins of Durga Temple View
Attractions Of Ruins of Durga Temple In Arunachal Pradesh :
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.
The fame and divinity of the temple attracts a number of tourists and pilgrims every year.
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.
The Malinithan Archeological Museum located at the hill top overlooking the temple ruins conserves the artefacts excavated here and speaks of the rich ancient Indian culture.
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.
History :
The temple is believed to have been built in the 14th – 15th century.
Malinithan was a great cultural and religious centre during the medieval time. It is said that in the past the Brahmaputra River was probable flowing from here. Currently there is only a small stream that collects water during monsoon.
A few archeologists believe and the ancient Assamese script says that the temple was built in the 8th century. However, a few sculptures and carvings indicate that the temple belongs to the Pala reign (990-1138 A.D.).
How To Reach :
The site is about 1 km from Likabali. Visitors can hire a taxi/cab to reach the site. It is advisable to hire a private vehicle up and down for a more convenient travel. Buses are also available from Likabali but are timely.
