| Parashar Lake | |
| Pushpin Map: | India Himachal Pradesh#India |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Prashar lake within Himachal Pradesh |
| Coords: | 31.7543°N 77.1014°W |
| Location: | Mandi district |
| Basin Countries: | India |
| Inflow: | Rain water |
| Outflow: | Evaporation |
| Area: | 1ha |
| Elevation: | 2730m (8,960feet) |
Parashar Lake (also spelled Prashar Lake) is a freshwater lake located at an elevation of 2730m (8,960feet) in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies east of the town of Mandi, and has a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Parashara situated on its bank. It contains a floating island.
The lake was considered sacred by the sage Parashara, who meditated here. The temple was built in the 14th century by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in honor of the sage and thus, considering the Himachali architecture, the lake was named after him.[1]
The lake is located at an elevation of 2730m (8,960feet) above sea level. With deep blue waters, the lake is held sacred to the sage Parashar 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.[2] [3] Both routes are 49km (30miles). 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 afloat by the oxygen in its plants' roots. The floating island moves in all directions in the lake. The floating island covers 7% of the area of the 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.
It is believed that Sage Prashar meditated on the banks of this lake, hence it is named 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]
Prashar Lake is approximately by road from the town of Mandi. The maximum depth of the lake remains unknown.