PATHIBHARA DEVI TEMPLE

PATHIBHARA DEVI TEMPLE

Pathibhara Devi (Nepali: पाथिभरा देवी मन्दिर) or Mukkumlung (as mentioned in Mundhum of Limbu people) is one of the most significant temples in Nepal, located on the hill of Taplejung. It is also considered one of the holy places for the Limbu people. 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. After the Gorkha (Khas) invasion of Limbuwan the holy temple of the Limbu people (Manghim in Limbu language) was also included into the mainstream Hinduism and is worshiped as one of the Hindu Shaktipeeths without changing the earlier belief or the practices of the Limbu people.
The goddess Pathibhara is believed to possess supernatural powers and diligently answer devotees' prayers. She is considered by her devotees as a manifestation of the Durga also known as Chandi, Kali, Maha Maya, Maha Rudri among many other of her divine forms
It is believed that local shepherds lost hundreds of their sheep while grazing at the same place where the temple stands today. The distressed shepherds had a dream in which the goddess ordered them to carry out ritualistic sacrifice of sheep and build a shrine in her honour. When the sacrifice was offered, the lost herd suddenly returned. The ritual of offering sacrifices inside the temple is believed to have started after the incident.
The hill goddess Pathibhara after which the place is named is believed by the devotees to be a fierce goddess who can be easily pleased with simple and selfless act of compassion, prayer and sacrificial offerings (sacrifice in Hinduism denotes sacrifice of one's ego and greed); while is unmerciful and severe to one who has malicious intentions beneath.
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.
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.
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.
Pathibhara trail passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda and Phedi before finally reaching the temple. Residents along the trail offer food and lodging facilities. Basic accommodation facilities are also available for pilgrims near the temple premises.
The best time to visit the temple is during pre-monsoon (March to June) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons.
By Kailash Mansarovar Foundation Swami Bikash Giri Whatsapp +919868022228 www.facebook.com/swbikash7 www.facebook.com/sumeruparvat7    / @sumeruparvat7