Arunachal Pradesh: Malinithan temple & Akashi Ganga of Likabali town attract scores of devotees

India’s northeastern region is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity. While the lush green landscapes and misty hills draw travellers, the region also boasts a rich historical heritage that is often overlooked. The northeastern states are home to a multitude of historical royal monuments and forts that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s royal past

On the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh, there is an archaeological site called Malinithan that has the remains of a Hindu temple from the early mediaeval era. The temple was constructed using granite stones during the time when Hinduism had a significant influence in the area, according to archaeological investigations of the ruins. It was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries by the Chutia kings. During this time, the Chutia rulers began assigning Brahmins to various regions of their realm in exchange for land grants.

Malinithan Temple, located on the Siang mountain foothills and northern bank of Brahmaputra River in Lower Siang district’s Likabali, is a well preserved monument and a great attraction for tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh through Silapathar town of Assam. 

Local MLA of Likabali Kardo Nyigyor talking to India Today NE, informed that this is a historical site made in 16th century and Arunachal Government spent more than 10 crores to beautify the complex more to increase footfalls.
MLA Nyigyor informed that during January in Makar Sakranti thousands of pilgrims visit this temple which witnessed the love of Lord Krishna with Rukmini. 

The architecture of the temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, has uncanny similarity with the Orissa temple style and some of the preserved sculptures are of Indra on Airavat, Surya on a chariot and then magnificent Nandi bull.

Local priest of the temple, Prayarnath Tiwari, informed the significance of the Malinithan temple According to legends, Lord Krishna wanted to marry Rukmini, daughter of Vidarbha's King Bhishmaka, but  she was to be married to Shishupal against her wishes by her father. Krishan abducted her prior to her wedding with Shishupala and while travelling from Bhishmakanagar to Dwarka stopped at Malinithan where Shiva and Durga were doing penance. Parvati, Shiva’s consort, warmly welcomed them with garlands made of the choicest flowers plucked from her orchard to be addressed as Malini and for this the place came to be known as Malinithan.

There is water fall known as Akashi Ganga near Likabali. One have to walk down 793 steps to reach the destination. There is one more Shiva Temple prior to a few steps to the bottom.

On the day of Makar Sankranti, it's a place of pilgrimage. Devotees come for bath on the waterfall with the belief that Akashi Ganga washes away all their sins then they offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Among all of the pilgrimage centers, the most unique and famous is Akashiganga. It is the most important pilgrimage center situated in Arunachal Pradesh. This place preserves various mysterious stories from the ancient period that seeks the attention of tourists.

According to the Hindu legends, the Akashiganga is the sacred place where the head of Devi Sati is cut down. As per the mythological stories, Lord Shiva got very furious when he saw the dead body of Sati. He lifted the dead body of Devi Sati in his arms and in agony, Lord Shiva started doing the Tandava Nritya. When Lord Shiva was performing the Tandava Nritya, at that point Lord Vishnu wanted to stop the destruction of the world. So he chopped off the head of Devi Sati tactfully with the assistance of his Sudarshana Chakra and cut her into pieces. It is believed that this is the place where her head fell, which is known as the Akashiganga in Arunachal Pradesh.