TAPLEJUNG: The Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung district collected Rs 3.33 million in offerings during the first three months of the current fiscal year 2026/27.

A total of 20,522 pilgrims visited the temple dedicated to Goddess Pathibhara Devi, believed to be a powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga, during the first three months of the current fiscal year, according to the Pathibhara Area Development Committee.

According to the Committee, the Temple received Rs 318,500 in offerings from 2,469 pilgrims in the first month (Nepali month Shrawan) of the fiscal year.

The amount rose sharply to Rs 1.36 million second month (Nepali month Bhadra), when 6,123 pilgrims visited the shrine perched at the altitude of 3,794 metres.

Likewise, the third month recorded an even greater increase, with 11,930 pilgrims making the journey to the temple and contributing Rs 1.6 million in offerings.

Both the number of visitors and the amount collected in the third month were higher than in the preceding two months, the Committee mentioned.

The collection in the Temple reflects the steady flow of pilgrims to the revered shrine, noted the Committee.

Executive Director of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, Prajin Hangbang, attributed the rise in pilgrim arrivals in the Nepali month Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October) to improving weather conditions following the end of the monsoon and the observance of Navaratri during the Dashain festival.

During ongoing Dashain festival, country’s biggest festival, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her various forms, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, happiness and the triumph of good over evil.

The Navaratri period, which falls during Dashain, is particularly significant for devotees visiting religious sites such as Pathibhara.

For many devotees, a visit to Pathibhara is more than a religious journey; it is an expression of faith, devotion and hope.

The surge in visitors during the festive period reflects the enduring spiritual significance of the Temple.