We crossed the Brahmaputra, drove for about 75-90 minutes to reach ruins of Malinatthan temple. The temple is on a hill. Today you see temple plinth only as in pic. Sculptures are in a Museum for which you need to climb steep steps again. It dates back to 10th and 12th century. U see base of the garbagriha, antarala and mandapa.
A view of the greenery from ground level. Place is very well maintained. From the ruins beautifully designed and decorated base of temple, divine images, icons and deities - animal motifs and floral designs, carved columns and panels have been unearthed.
Board in complex. Excavation carried out in 1969-71. Temple an eg of Orissa style architecture. Of all the sculptures 5 are masterpieces. Lord Indra, Kartikeya, Surya, Ganesha and huge Nandi bull - see some of them in this collection. These are of gigantic rocks otherwise mostly sandstone is used.
Floral design in plinth of temple. According to tradition Lord Krishna carried away Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhismaka on the eve of her wedding with Shishupali. Parvati welcomed Krishna and Rukmini with garlands here. Parvati thus acquired the name Malini and the place Malinatthan. According to local tradition, Rukmini belonged to the local Mishmi tribe.
Close up of floral design. I consider myself blessed to have visited this place.
A view of the temple ruin. U can clearly see the garbagriha, antarala and mandapa. Besides the museum a number of sculptures are kept in a locked room ie easy to see but not photograph.
As we walked up from temple ruins to museum this is a view that we saw. Lush green rice fields. When we entered museum were told photography not allowed. We met one of the senior officials. Luckily he belonged to the same tribe as my friend and guide P G Dodum - a conversation between the two and I was provided limited access.
A lady who belongs to the Galo tribe. Her Aunt works in the Museum. Close to the temple ruins is a Durga Mata Mandir.
Mithuna image - Erotic figure. Such images are also found in Khajuraho, Sun Temple Konarak, Bhoramdeo Mandir Chhattisgarh. To see pics of Khajuraho Click here
Image of Brahma with 3 faces, the back face not clearly visible. 4 heads facing 4 quarters stands for the 4 Vedas, 4 Yugas, 4 Varnas. Head gear is Jatamutuka with bearded faces. Seated in Lalitsahana posture on his Vahana - the Hamsa or Swan. Originally 8 handed the front right hand placed near the chest in Abhay-Mudra and the front left hand resting on the lap. 2 female attendants sitting in Padamasana posture. Caption is from board in museum.
Museum had 2 big halls with sculptures. Centre of hall one. In background you see Mithuna sculpture on right of pic and Ganesha on left of pic.
Image of Lord Indra, the Lord of Atmosphere and the Sky. Seated in Ardhyaparayana Kusana posture on his vahan Airavata (elephant). A prominent Kirtimukha on upper part and a floral decoration on outer rim of the stele. Tilak is visible on the forehead. Raised right hand holding famous weapon Vajra. 2 female attendants are in Tribhanga posture. If want to know more mail me and shall mail you pic of board in museum.
Ganesha is the God of Wisdom and remover of obstacles. Top of image centre is Kirtimukha, keeps away evils. Seen Kirtimukha in Kiradu temples Barmer and Bodh Gaya temple as well.
2 legs suggest slow rhythm of dance. Upper right hand holding a ladoo, whilst lower right holds a battle axe. Lower left holding a Gada (mace). A Dhoti tied round the waist with a
decorated clasp in front. The vahana of Ganesha is mouse. To read about Maharashtra''s famous Ashtavinayaks Temples Click here
Doorjumb with 5 vertical bands in upper part and 3 vertical bands in lower part. At centre of upper part Surya is depicted in standing Sampada posture on a rectangular pedestal. Holding 2 lotuses with long stalks by long upraised hands. At lower part Dwarpalak depicted at centre with 2 female attendants. If you want to know more mail me and shall mail you pic of board in museum. To see pictures of Sun Temple Modhera in Gujarat Click here
From the Museum was told to visit the Rukmini temple. Did not find it but walked into a balcony from where we got a great view as you can see. To see pictures of Temples of India Click here
In the temple complex is an ancient Shiv Temple. U see devotee lighting a diya. To see wow pictures of Halebidu Temples in Karnataka Click here
Another view. In front is a traditional house, at a height, ie covered with hay. In front of the house, used hay to make a car shade. Behind that is a house with brick walls and tin cover. During my trips to Arunachal and Jodhpur/Barmer in Rajasthan found that homes with hay covered roofs are very cool and ones with tin or concrete extremely hot. To see pics of Children of Arunachal Pradesh Click here
Words of wisdom by our ex-President and scholar Dr S Radhakrishnan. One of the reasons why Indian Culture has survived and thrived is because it was willingly accepted by people,not imposed by the power of the sword. Also different regions contributed to it. To read how Different parts of India contributed to its Religious Life Click here