THE POWER OF PRATHIBHARA

History[edit]
The Goddess at Pathibhara temple is believed to possess supernatural powers and diligently answer devotees' prayers. She is considered by her devotees as a manifestation of the divine feminine also determined with other names as AdiKali, Maha Maya, Maha Rudri among many other of her divine forms.
Legend[edit]

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 honor. When the sacrifice was offered the lost herd supposedly 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 as 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 ego and greed), while is unmerciful and severe to one who has malicious intentions beneath.
Attractions and activities[edit]

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.
Trek[edit]

For tourists other than pilgrims, 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[edit]

Pathibhara lies in the junction of three VDCs: Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola. The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar, which is about 1.5 hours walk from phungling Bazaar. Pathibhara Devi is about 5–6 hours walk from Suketar.

Suketar Airport 2,840 m (9,318 ft) at Suketar is the only STOL airport in Taplejung district, connecting Kathmandu and Biratnagarby scheduled flights. Pathibhara trail passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda and Phedi before finally reaching the temple. Residents along the trail offer food andlodging 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.