Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake[lower-alpha 1] lies 49 km east of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, with a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar.

Prashar Lake
Prashar Lake
Prashar Lake
LocationMandi district
Coordinates31.75426°N 77.10141°E / 31.75426; 77.10141
TypeHolomictic
Primary inflowsRain water
Primary outflowsEvaporation
Basin countriesIndia
Surface area1 ha (2.5 acres)
Average depthUnknown
Max. depthUnknown
Surface elevation2,730 m (8,960 ft)
IslandsYes, floating island
ReferencesHimachal Pradesh Tourism Dep.

Details

The lake is located at a height of 2,730 m (8,960 ft) above sea level. With deep blue waters, the lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas, the lake can be approached from Mandi or from Bajaura in Kullu Valley.[1][2] Both routes are 49 km (30 mi). There is a round, floating island in the lake, which is a common natural phenomenon found all around the world. It is composed of plant matter in various stages of decomposition, and is held aloft by the oxygen in its plants' roots. The floating island moves in all directions in the lake. The floating land covers 7% of the area of the lake.

Temple view, Prashar Lake

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. Until now no one has determined the depth of Prashar Lake. It is said that a diver is not able to determine its depth.[3]

Mysterious Story

It is believed that Sage Prashar meditated on the banks of this lake, hence it is named as Prashar Lake. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, had created the lake, the story says. After the Kurukshetra / Mahabharat war, the Pandavas were returning with Lord Kamrunag. When they reached this place, Kamrunag loved the tranquil surroundings and decided to live here forever. So, Bheem (the strongest of the lot) rammed his elbow on one of the mountains and created a big dent in the land. This dent became Prashar Lake.[4]

Views of Prashar Lake, Temple and surroundings
  • Prashar Lake and temple
  • Prashar Lake frozen and snow covered, Feb '14.
  • Aerial view, lake in centre, approach road from lower right corner, Feb '18
  • Aerial view, lake and temple in centre, Feb '18
  • Prashar Lake and temple, Nov. '20

Flora of Prashar Lake
  • Thistle plant (Cirsium wallichii)
  • Florets of Thistle (Cirsium wallichii)

Notes
  1. Also known as Parashar Lake.

References
  1. "Mandi - Prashar route". OpenStreetMap.org. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  2. "Bajaura - Prashar route". OpenStreetMap.org. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  3. "Temples in the Clouds", film by Jim Mallinson and Chicco Patuzzi, 2008, http://www.filmsouthasia.org/archive/details.php?id=1016
  4. Vinayak, Akshatha (24 April 2018). "Mysterious Stories of Prashar Lake in Mandi". nativeplanet.com. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
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