Description
Pathibhara Mata is one of the most significant temples in Nepal, located on the hill of Taplejung, Province-1, Nepal. It is also considered one of the holy places in the Hindu Religion. Worshippers from different parts of Nepal and India flock to the temple during special occasions, as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple ensures fulfillment of the pilgrims’ wishes.
The temple is located 19.4 North East from Phungling municipality at an elevation of 3,794 m (12,448 ft). It serves as a secondary route of Kanchenjunga trek. The list of devotees includes the ex-Royal family of Nepal. The pilgrims offer animal sacrifices, gold, and silver to please the goddess.
Legend
Pathibhara is also one of the ‘Shakti Peeths’. Shakti Peethas are the places where parts of Goddess Sati had fallen while Lord Shiva was carrying her dead body. Worshippers from different parts of Nepal and India flock to the temple during special occasions, as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple ensures fulfilment of all that the pilgrim desires.
Attractions and activities
Pilgrims can also visit monasteries situated in Olangchung Gola and Lungchung. The waterfall at Sawa and the pond of Timbung, during autumn and spring are worth visiting every year. The forest ecosystem along the trial offers diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies. The whole of the Kanchanjunga range can be seen in this trek.
Trek
For tourists other than pilgrims, the Limbu Cultural Trek in the region is considered equally enthralling. A week-long trek passes through ethnic villages of Taplejung, such as; Phurunga (or Phurumbu), Limkhim, Khewang, Tellok, PhawaKhola and Mamankhe.
How to get there
Pathibhara lies in Yangwarak gaunpalika . The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar, which is about a 20-minute drive from Phungling Bazaar, and then 1–2 hours’ drive from Suketar to Kafle Pati. Pathibhara Devi is about 3–4 hours’ walk from Kafle Pati.
Suketar Airport (2,840 m [9,320 ft]) at Suketar is the only STOL airport in Taplejung district, connecting Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights.
The best time to visit the temple is during pre-monsoon (March to June) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons.
