Prashar Lake

Parashar Lake

Parashar Lake

Parashar Lake
Location Mandi district
Coordinates 31°45′15″N 77°06′05″E / 31.75426°N 77.10141°ECoordinates: 31°45′15″N 77°06′05″E / 31.75426°N 77.10141°E
Type Holomictic
Primary inflows Rain water, Glaciel runoff
Primary outflows Evaporation
Basin countries India
Surface elevation 2,730 m (8,960 ft)
References Himachal Pradesh Tourism Dep.
Parashar Lake in Feb 2014. The lake is frozen and the temple is buried in heavy snow, only top is visible.

Prashar Lake lies 49 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, with a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The lake is located at a height of 2730 m 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 via Drang.

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is, with a diver not being able to determine its depth.[1]

Around Prashar Lake

Pandoh: Just 16-km away from Mandi is Pandoh Dam.

Shikhari Devi: 15-km from Janjheli is situated the ancient temple of Shikhra Devi and is surrounded by some marvellous landscapes.

Barot : A nice picnic spot situated at a distance of 33 km. from Mandi on the Mandi - Pathankot Highway. It is famous for trout fishing and a ropeway that attracts the tourist.

Chindi : This little hamlet in an apple growing area is blessed with breathtaking beauty. There are numerous small temples of considerable antiquity not too far away.

Kamru Nag Lake & Temple : Resting resort for trekkers at a height of 3,334 meteres above sea level on the Mandi–Karsog road. You can start trek from Rohanda which is 40 km from Sundernagar & 60 km from Mandi.

The Lake is enriched with stunning silence. Mythology says that this lake was formed by Pandawas when they were on their way after Mahabharata with Deity Kamrunag (based on which this entire valley is know by Kamru Valley today) to find best place for their teacher, Dev Kamrunag and Deity love the isolation of this place so much that he decided to stay here for the rest of his life. On his request, Bheemsen one of the Pandava brothers formed the lake by pushing his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain. And that is the reason believed by locals after oval-shaped lake with depth unknown. Many a time in storms an almost 30-meter-tall cedar tree would fall into the lake to disappear. Today faith from all faiths of people brings them here. As an offering people throw money, silver coins and gold into the water. This place is available for visitors throughout the year except for winter months, i.e. Dec. through March. Now with increased faith and visitors there are few hotels available with basic facilities with reasonable price. 03 hrs (6 km) trek from Rohanda to Kamrunag Lake.

How to reach

By Bus: There is a motorable road all the way up to the lake. There is a morning 7.45 AM bus from Mandi which reaches Prashar lake (via Kataula and Bagi) at around 11.15 AM and returns from Prashar lake at 1.15 PM reaching Mandi at around 4.15 PM daily (as on October 2014). Buses do not ply to Prashar Lake in peak winters when it snows as the roads are not in good condition. The last HRTC bus makes an overnight stop at Suda village, between Bagi village and Prashar Lake.[2]

By Motorbike: A lightweight motorcycle such as pulsar or splendor can carry two people with moderate level efforts along the bends and the curves. A heavy motorcycle such as the bullet is not recommended if carrying huge luggage as well, driving becomes tough. It is recommended to get a petrol refill in Mandi if it is low.

Trek: There is a 7.5 kms trekkable route with starting point at Bagi village (around 26 kms from Mandi via Kataula). The trek is mostly uphill through the dense forest. During winters it is possible to trek to Prashar Lake along the closed Bagi-Prashar road. The trek is 16.5 kilometres from Suda village to Prashar Lake and it is moderately difficult.[3] However the presence of a road ensures that the route is easy to navigate and the trek does not contain any sharp ascents or descents.[4]

By Taxi: Taxi can be hired from Mandi.

References

  1. ↑ "Temples in the Clouds", film by Jim Mallinson and Chicco Patuzzi, 2008, http://www.filmsouthasia.org/archive/details.php?id=1016
  2. ↑ http://inditramp.com/magazine/trek-from-baagi-village-to-prashar-lake
  3. ↑ http://wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=8973061
  4. ↑ http://inditramp.com/magazine/trek-from-baagi-village-to-prashar-lake

External links