Arunachal PradeshTimings 2026Free Entry

Malinithan, Lower Siang: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Malinithan is an archaeological site containing the ruins of an early medieval period temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is assumed to be built by the Chutia kings in the 13th-14th century.

By Kishan Rajyaguru|Updated 18 October 2026

Location Lower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh

Entry Fee Free

Best Time May to June and September to October

Railway Station ~7 km

Nearest Airport ~36 km

Malinithan, Lower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh

About Malinithan

Kechai-Khaiti, a tribal goddess found among the Kachari groups or the Buddhist goddess Tara is considered to be the chief deity worshipped in the ruined temple. The worship of the goddess Kechaikheiti even after coming under Hindu influence was performed according to her old tribal customs. The goddess was taken care of by tribal priest known as the Deoris and was worshipped by the Borgoya khel of the Deoris. There were four different kinds of Deori priest who looked after the deity Kechaikhati. The Bar Bharali and the Saru Bharali collected dues of the temple and provides animals for sacrifice. The Bar Deori (Deori Dema) and the Saru Deori (Deori Surba) performs the sacrifice and sung hymns.

Some scholars identify Kesaikhaiti to the Tai Khamti female deity of Nang Hoo Toungh.

Malinithan: Key Facts

TempleMalinithan
LocationLower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
StateArunachal Pradesh
Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
Best Time to VisitMay to June and September to October
Nearest Railway StationSilapathar railway station, ~7 km
Nearest AirportDibrugarh (DIB), ~36 km
GPS27.65667, 94.70583

Malinithan Timings 2026

Malinithan is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

How to Reach Malinithan

LocationLower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
By AirDibrugarh (DIB), about 36 km
By AirJorhat (JRH), about 116 km
By TrainSilapathar railway station, about 7 km
Major StationDibrugarh Town railway station, about 28 km
By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities

Distance from Nearby Cities

From	Road Distance (approx.)	Travel Time (approx.)
Dibrugarh	47 km	1 hr
Jorhat	150 km	3 hr
Itanagar	169 km	4 hr
Imphal	432 km	10 hr
Silchar	455 km	10 hr

Best Time to Visit

May to June and September to October. Mountain roads are open and weather is pleasant. Many high-altitude shrines close in winter and the monsoon (July–August) brings landslides, so check the opening dates before you plan. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.

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History of Malinithan

From all archaeological evidences at the site, archaeologists have opined that the temple belonged to the 13th century. Stonemason marks found in Malinithan were also found in other sites of Sadiya like Tamreswari temple, Bura-buri, Padum pukhuri as well as other places like Nakshaparbat and Buroi.

Legend & Significance

A legend was implanted around the site by Srimanta Sankardev in the 16th century, connecting the place to the mythological king of Bhishmaka (Lord of Vidarbha) of the epics. The association of the legend with the place led to a widespread renaming of the region.

As per the mythology constructed, when Krishna wanted to marry Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, he abducted her prior to her wedding with Shishupala. Krishna and Rukmini then travelled from Bhishmakanagar to Dwarka, stopping at Malinithan on the way over, where they were guests of Shiva and Durga, who were doing penance. Parvati, Shiva's consort, warmly welcoming her guests, presented them with garlands made of flowers plucked from her orchard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Malinithan located?

Malinithan is in Lower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, India. GPS location: 27.6567, 94.7058.

What are the timings of Malinithan?

Malinithan is open daily from early morning to evening, usually with an afternoon break. Timings change on festivals, so confirm with the temple office before you go.

Is there an entry fee at Malinithan?

General darshan is free. Special pujas, sevas or quick darshan may have a separate fee set by the temple.

What is the best time to visit Malinithan?

May to June and September to October. Mountain roads are open and weather is pleasant. Many high-altitude shrines close in winter and the monsoon (July–August) brings landslides, so check the opening dates before you plan.

Which is the nearest railway station to Malinithan?

Silapathar railway station is the nearest railway station, about 7 km away. The nearest major station is Dibrugarh Town railway station, about 28 km away.

How far is Malinithan from Dibrugarh?

Malinithan is about 47 km by road from Dibrugarh (approx.).

Which is the nearest airport to Malinithan?

Dibrugarh (DIB) is the nearest major airport, about 36 km away in a straight line. Jorhat (JRH) is the next option.

What is the dress code at Malinithan?

Wear modest, traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.

Is photography allowed inside Malinithan?

Photography is usually not allowed inside the sanctum. Outer areas may allow photos; follow the signs and staff instructions.

Which other temples are near Malinithan?

Sivasagar Sivadol, Negheriting Shiva Doul are close by and can be covered on the same trip.