Pathibhara

Pathibhara Devi Temple (पाथिभरा देवी मन्दिर) or Mukkumlung is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Goddess Pathibhara in Nepal, located on the hill of Taplejung. It is also considered as one of the holy places for Kirats. 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 fulfillment of the pilgrims' desires.

The temple is Located 19.4 km east of Phungling municipality at the elevation of 3,794 m (28,852 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 invasion of Limbuwan the Kirat holy temple (Manghim in Limbu language) was also converted into one of the Hindu Shaktipeeths.

The legend

It is believed that the local shepherds lost 100s their sheep while grazing at the same place as the temple. The distressed shepherds had a dream in which the Goddess ordered them to carry out ritualistic sacrifice of sheep and build a temple. When the sacrifice was offered the lost sheep supposedly returned. The ritual of offering sacrifices inside the temple is believed to have started after the incident.

Photo credit: Bandana KC[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P… ]