Saturday, September 10, 2011

PATHIBHARA DEVI

              Pathibhara Devi is regarded 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 desires. The list of devotees of the Pathibhara also includes the former Royal family of Nepal. The pilgrims sacrifice animals and bring gold and silver as offerings to the Pathibhara Devi.
LEGEND
        Located above 19.4 km east of Phungling, the Devi at Pathibhara is said to have miraculous power and is said to have answered her devotees' prayers. Story regarding the foundation of the temple has been passed from 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 the 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 shepherds then believed that the Goddess accepted animal sacrifice, which later made her known as Raktakali Pathibhara Devi too.
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 (Phurumbu), Limkhim, Khewang, Tellok, Phawakhola and Mamankhe can be a worth remembering visit.
         Kanchanjunga (8586 m) is the third tallest peak in the world, but due to its standing as a lone citadel looming over the surrounding countryside, it looks more imposing than almost any  other peak or massif in the great Himalayan Range. Directly in front of the massif stands the pyramid - shaped Pathibhara(3795 m), affording dramatic close-up views of Kanchanjunga, and Kumbhakarna.
How To Get There
        Pathibhara lies in the junction of three VDCs; Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola at a 19 km distance from Taplejung Bazar (Phungling). The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar Airport (2840 m) which is about 1.5 hours walk from Phungling Bazar. Pathibhara Devi is about 5-6 hours walk from Suketar.
       Suketar is the  only airstrip in Taplejung district and is connected to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. From Suketar the Pathibhara trial passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda, Phedi and finally reaches Pathibhara Devi temple. Basic accomodation facilities are also available for pilgrims near the shrine.
PATHIBHARA  TRIAL (5days)
           The Goddess of Pathibhara is believed to fulfill the long cherished dreams of her devotees. Pathibhara Devi shrine situated at 3794 m is a popular pilgrimage destination. The deity at Pathibhara is worshipped with equal reverence by both Hindus and Buddhist followers. The temple is thronged with Hindus during special celebrations, while Buddhists visit the temple to light lamps on full-moon nght.
          Pathibhara is in Tapethok VDC, 19 km from Phugling, the district headquarters of Taplejung. You can enjoy beautiful views of Kanchanjunga and Kumbhakarna. The forest along the trial offers diversity of wildife, birds, flowers and butterflies.
Detail   Itinerary  Of   Pathibhara   Trial
          Day 1- Flight from Kathamandu to Suketar takes about one hour. Trek from Suketar to Deurali takes approximately two hours. While trekking, you can observe the surroundings and local lifestyle along the trial. Stay overnight at lodge.
          Day 2 - Trek from Deurali to Phedi takes almost five hours. You can watch different birds along the trial. On the way you are quite fascinated by mountain views and sceneries. Stay overnight at lodge.
         Day 3 - Trek from Phedi to Pathibhara takes about 3 hours. On the same day you trek back to Phedi which takes almost two and half hours. On the way back from the visit to Pathibhara Devi, you can look out for various species of birds. From Pathibhara you can enjoy mountain views and sceneries.  It is better to stay overnight at lodge.
         Day 4 - Trek from Phedi to Suketar takes about five hours. On the you observe surroundings local lifestyles and visit a local monastery. Moreover, you can taste local drinks and food. Stay overnight at lodge.
        Day 5 - Fly from Suketar to Kathmandu, takes one hour or from Suketar to Phungling take an one and half hours downhill trek.
        Day 6 - Stay overnight at lodge. Take a Jeep to Urlabari or to Illam.
        Day 7 - You can take direct bus to Kathmandu from Ilam.
OTHER   MAJOR   ATTARACTIONS 
        Orthodox Tea, Alaichi (Black Cardamom) and Ginger Garden, Chhurpi (hard local cheese) are main products of Taplejung. Tongba (local wine brewed from millet) is a famous drink of the region. Pilgrims can alos 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 Kanchanjunga range can be seen in this trek.

No comments:

Post a Comment