Famous Temples in India

Architecture

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 studies of the ruins indicate that the temple was built with granite stones during the period of Aryan influence in the region, distinct from the other temples in the northeastern region built with bricks. Durga is believed to be the chief deity who was worshipped in the ruined temple in her Shakthi form. The Malinithan 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. 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.

At the time of excavation, the archaeological finds at the site were granite sculptures of four lions on two elephants. There were sculptures of Goddess Durga, a Shiva lingam and a large Nandi bull, which was the mount of Lord Shiva. Along-with these there were other sculptures like Lord Indra riding his mount Airavata; Kartikeya riding a peacock; Lord Surya riding a chariot, and Lord Ganesha mounted over a mouse. Archaeological studies revealed erotic Maithuna sculptures in different positions, thus it was believed that tantricism prevailed there as a fertility rite of the tribal people, who held the "mother principal as the procreative power of nature". It was said that the Shakti cult was practiced in the region. It was one of the three leading centers of Shaktism.