Pathibhara Devi Taplejung

The famous Pathibhara Devi temple is located about 17 km northeast of Phungling Bazar in Taplejung district. This temple is situated on a hill at a height of 12,446 feet. This goddess is named Pathibhara because she is standing on the top of a hill where grain can be seen on the pathi. From Suketar airport in Taplejung, one can reach the temple site of the goddess in 8-9 hours on foot via Deurali, Bhalugounda and Phedi. To reach Suketar, there are air services from Biratnagar and Kathmandu and road transport from Charali in Jhapa. That road is about 235 km. It is not clear how and when Pathibhara Devi originated.

According to a legend related to this, in ancient times, some people used to keep sheep in that area and graze sheep in that area. At that time, as the sheep of the barn suddenly disappeared, they praised and vowed to Goddess Pathibhara with the wish to find their lost sheep. After that, the shepherds began to praise Pathibhara Devi regularly as the lost sheep started to be found all of a sudden. One day when the sheep were lost, Pathibhara Devi appeared in a dream and ordered to worship at a place. After the villagers did the same, the sheep came back. In the temple of Pathibhara Devi, there is an idol of Bhagwati riding on a tiger as well as an old idol. It is believed that no matter how many sacrifices are offered, blood will not be seen in this temple. This goddess is considered as a goddess who delivers what the devotees pray for. It is customary to worship them by sacrificing goats, ducks, pigeons and chickens.

Although there is a tradition of holding a fair on the occasion of Undhauli and Umbhauli in this area, it is still thronged by pilgrims throughout the year. From about 4 km, pilgrims make offerings, but no one collects the money. Due to the cool climate and beautiful scenery, Salinda devotees reach here to visit Pathibhara Devi and enjoy the natural beauty.