Pathibhara

Pathibhara lies in the junction of three VDCs: Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola VDCs at a 19 kilometeres distance from Taplejung Bazaar (Phungling). The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar airport (2840 m) which is about 1.5 hours walk from phungling Bazaar. Pathibhara Devi is about 5-6 hours walk from Suketar.

Suketar is only STOL airstrip in Taplejung district and is connected to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. From Suketar the Pathivara trial passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda, Phedi and finally reaches Pathibhara Devi temple. The trial offers food and lodging facilities. Basic accomodation facilities are also available for pilgrims near the shrine

Located above 19.4 km east of Phungling, the Devi at Pathibhara is said to have miraculous powers and is said to have answered her devotees' prayers. Story regarding the foundation of the temple has been passed to one generation to another generation. The story says that when shepherds once led their sheeps to the place where the temple lies today, hundreds of sheep disappeared as they were grazing. The distressed shepherds then had a dream in which the Goddess told where she resided and instructed them to carry out ritualistic sacrifices of sheep. When the sacrifice was offered and the temple and the statue was build, the lost sheep were said to have returned. The sheepherders then believed that to Goddess accepted animal sacrifices, which later made her known as Raktakali Pathibhara Devi too.

If visitors or trekkers want to go westerly direction then again from Taplejung one can go along the bank of Mewa river and then Dongen village and follow Topkegola (40 kms.) there can see glacial lakes: Tin pokhari and Lam Pokhari. If it is summer one can try to come to Chainpur i.e. 45 kms after walking in wilderness.

Goddess of Trust and Faith

Pathibhara Devi is considered as one of the Shakti Peeths. Worshippers from different part of Nepal and India flock the temple during special occasions, as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple ensures fulfilment of all that the pilgrim desires. The devotee of the Pathibhara also includes the Royal family of the Nepal. The pilgrims sacrifice animals and bring gold and silver as offerings to the Pathibhara Devi.

The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.

Major Stops on Pathibhara Cultural Trial

Suketar - Deurali about 2 km
Deurali = Ramitedanda about 1.5 km
Ramitedada - Chatedhunga about 4.5 km
Chatedunga - Bhalugauda about 2.5 km
Bhalugauda = Phedi about 3 km
Phedi - Pathibhara Devi Temple about 2 km

Small Markets in the Trial

Deurali - Tea snacks and small lodges
Bhalugauda - Tea snacks and small lodges
Phedi - Tea snacks and Dharmasalas (moderate lodge for pilgrims)
Pathibhara Devi Temple - Dharmasala