Pathivara Devi Temple is located at Phungling Municipality, Ward No. 10 in Taplejung district. This Shakti Peeth is located in the higher region of Taplejung and is located approximately 30 kilometres away from Phungling Bazar and is situated at an altitude of 3,794 metres (12,646 ft), hence this region is comparatively colder. There is no paved road or way to the shrine which means that accessibility is not easy. The road to the shrine can only be taken when weather permits. It can only be done with the assistance of a local guide.

How to Reach

In order to reach Pathivara from Kathmandu, you need to travel to Birtamod, Jhapa, which is at a distance of 615 kilometres east from the city. From Jhapa, the next stop is Ilam, which is 72 kilometers away, and then from Ilam to Phidim it is 74 kilometres, and from Phidim to hungling it is 76 kilometres, which is a total of 230 kilometres from Jhapa to Phungling. Then 19.4 kilometres from Phungling lies the Devisthan Temple. A taxi can then be taken for 13 kilometres ahead of Phungling to reach the lower ground of the hill. Then from the lower ground to mid-ground, also known as the broader ground, it is 3 kilometres uphill, and from the mid-ground one needs to walk for 3 kilometres to reach the Pathivara Temple. Other than this way, 5 kilometres ahead of Phungling, on the way to Pathivara itself lies the Suketar Airport. The plane can be boarded only from Biratnagar.

Significance and Local Beliefs 

The hill of Pathivara is said to resemble the image as of a traditional vessel known as ‘pathi’, which is used to store grains. Hence the name pathi – vessel, and filled – vara, Pathivara. There is a Dhatu (alloy) statue of Bhagwati at Pathivara hill. There are also respectively. Alongside a trishul and bells there are weapons also present which are worshipped.

There are also stone figurines of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar, and Bhairav.

From across the Pathivara hill, 100 metres below there is a shrine where it is believed that Pathivara Devi meditated and where it is believed that the shepherds worshipped the Devi.

To enter the shrine, one must pass a small opening beside a huge rock.

Main Festivities and Jatras

From the day of Dashain (which falls in later September to mid-October), Navaratri Ghatasthapana till Vijaya Dashami, worshippers come to the Bhagwati Devi.

On the day of Chaitra Navaratra, Dashain (March-April), Navaratri (September-October), Ashtami (September-October), Bala Chaturdashi (November), and Purnima (full moon), special gatherings and melas are held in the temple area.