Pathibhara
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Pathibhara Devi is considered as one of the Shakti Peethas. 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 included the ex Royal family of Nepal. The pilgrims sacrifice animals and bring gold and silver as offerings to the Pathibhara Devi.
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[edit] History
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 sheep 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 built, 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.The shrine of the Pathibhara Devi temple is located on a mountain at 3794 meters in the far east of Nepal. The temple is holy for Hindu's as well as Buddhists.
The godesses Pathibhara is said to make dreams come true. The myth is that sheppards suddenly lost a lot of sheep in this area and that Pathibara appeared in their dreams. She promised that the sheep would return if they would offer a few sheep to her. And so they did.
[edit] Limbu culture
The Pathibhara and Limbu Cultural Trial, the main route of the Kanchanjunga trek, provides an experience of the Limbu culture of the Nepalese Himalayas. For visitors other than pilgrims, Limbu Cultural Trek is equally enthralling. A week-long Limbu Cultural Trek, passing through traditional villages like Phurunga (or Phurumbu), Limkhim, Khewang, Tellok, PhawaKhola and Mamankhe can be a visit worth remembering.
[edit] Other major attractions
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 Kanchenjunga range can be seen in this trek.
[edit] How to get there
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 accommodation facilities are also available for pilgrims near the shrine.
The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
[edit] References
- "Pathibhara Devi Temple". Nepal Pilgrimage. 2010-04-23. http://www.nepal-pilgrimage.com/content/pathibhara-devi-temple. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
