Pathivara - The Holy Shrine

                 Pathivara -The Holy Shrine


Pathivara Devi shrine (3794m) is a popular pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists located at a height of 12,448 ft, on the Northern side of Taplejung district, Mechi Zone in Eastern Nepal. The highest hill of Taplejung District where the holy shrine is located also called 'Pathivara Dada' is one of the attractions for the tourists in the district.

The Goddess at Pathibhara temple is believed to possess supernatural powers and is believed to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees. 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.

Pathibhara lies in the junction of three VDCS: Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola. The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar (2840m)  passing through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda and Phedi before finally reaching the temple, which is about 8-10 hours walk from Suketar. The airport at Suketar is the only airport of Taplejung district. Suketar is connected to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. Beautiful views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna can be seen from Suketar.

The best time to visit the temple is from March through out to June and September to November. Pilgrimages can also have an opportunity to visit Kanchanjungha range, the waterfall at Sawa pokhari and the pond of Timbuk, during autumn and spring every year. The thick forest eco-system along the trail offers diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies. 

                Story of Pathivara

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 Pathivara 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.