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.

Mukkumlung or Pathibhara Devi
Mukkumlung
Statue of Pathibhara Devi
Religion
AffiliationYumaism
DistrictTaplejung
DeityMukkumlung or Pathibhara Devi
Location
LocationTaplejung
CountryNepal
Location in Nepal
Geographic coordinates27°25′46″N 87°46′3.8″E
Architecture
TypePagoda
Elevation3,794 m (12,448 ft)

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.

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.

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.

Temple Bells at Pathibhara
Huge bell inside Pathibhara Temple premises
Buddhist prayer flags fluttering inside Pathibhara Devi Temple premises
  • "Pathibhara Devi Temple". Nepal Pilgrimage. 2010-04-23. Archived from the original on 2011-10-23. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  • "Official website". Pathibhara.com.np. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  • "History of Pathibhara Devi Temple". TopNepal. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.