Malinithan Temple
Likabali, Lower Siang district · Goddess Malini (Durga/Parvati); historically the tribal goddess Kechai-Khati
13th-century stone temple ruins where Parvati garlanded Krishna and Rukmini.
Malinithan is a hill-top site at Likabali, at the foot of the Siang hills just above the Assam plains, with the ruins of a stone temple believed to date from the 13th century, probably built by the Chutia kings. Excavated in 1968–71, it yielded fine granite sculptures including Indra on Airavata and Surya in his chariot. It is still an active shrine of the goddess Malini, and the Malini Mela is held around Ram Navami.
Timings
- Site: Daytime – no official hours published; check locally
Darshan types and costs
- Darshan and visit – Free
Sevas and costs
- Puja to Malini – Check locally (Daytime)
How to book darshan
No booking. Indian visitors need an Arunachal Inner Line Permit for Lower Siang; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
Dress code
No published dress code; modest clothing.
Best time to visit
October to April. Malini Mela around Ram Navami (March/April); Makar Sankranti also draws pilgrims. Avoid the monsoon.
How to reach
- air: Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) or Dibrugarh in Assam.
- rail: Silapathar (Assam), about 7 km, is the nearest station.
- road: From North Lakhimpur or Silapathar on the Assam side to Likabali. The Akajan–Likabali–Bame road was reported in October 2026 to be in poor condition.
Festivals
- Malini Mela – Around Ram Navami (Mar/Apr), five days
- Makar Sankranti – 14/15 January