The history of Malinithan is a fascinating blend of divine legend and archaeological evidence. According to the Puranas and local folklore, the site is inextricably linked to the legendary journey of Lord Krishna and his consort Rukmini. It is believed that after Krishna 'kidnapped' Rukmini from her father King Bhismaka's capital in Bhismaknagar, they were traveling back to Dwarka. On their way, they stopped at this scenic spot in the foothills.
At that time, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were residing here in meditation. Parvati, assuming the form of a simple gardener's wife, welcomed the divine couple with garlands of exquisitely scented mountain flowers. Lord Krishna, deeply moved by the beauty of the flowers and the grace of the hostess, addressed Parvati as 'Malini' (the Mistress of the Garlands). Since then, the Goddess has been worshipped here as Malini, and the place became known as Malinithan.
Historically, archaeological studies and carbon dating of the ruins suggest that the stone temples were constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries AD. The construction is attributed to the Chutiya kings, who ruled over a large part of eastern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The architects and sculptors appear to have been deeply influenced by the Kalinga style of Odisha, as evidenced by the structural motifs and the use of hard granite—a material not locally available in large quantities, indicating a sophisticated system of transport and trade. The temple complex was likely destroyed during the regional conflicts of the 16th century and the subsequent expansion of the Ahom kingdom, eventually being reclaimed by the jungle.
It was only in the 1920s that local residents began reporting the presence of 'carved stones' in the forest, leading to the formal archaeological excavations that restored Malinithan to India's spiritual map.
