Prashar Lake with an Island & Temple

The Himalayas have many lakes both small and big, sweet and sultry. These water bodies are formed because glaciers snow melt. But few lakes are full of wonders with mystic tales.

One such lake is Prashar named after the famous sheer Prashar Rishi, father of Vyasa and author of many ancient Indian texts who mediated here. There is an ancient pagoda style temple dedicated to him which stands on the edge of the lake, adding a spiritual aura to the surroundings. The lake has a floating island too and all three- the lake, the temple and the island have interesting legends each. It is believed that Bhima, mightiest of the Pandava brothers, had created the lake by denting the hills with his strong elbow.

The story goes that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas while returning were mesmerised by the tranquil surroundings and decided to live here forever. Access to this lake is strictly prohibited for anyone else apart from the priests of the adjoining temple. Till date no one could measure the depth of the lake. Locals claim to have seen huge entire trees drown inside the lake without even a ripple on the surface indicating its depth. It is said that two German divers did try to map the depth but were quite unsuccessful. 

The Prashar Lake is holomictic which is not very common in India. It is a type of lake that has uniform density and temperature at a specific time during the year and because of this, the water of the lake mixes completely. The floating island which covers seven percent of the lake moves in all directions in the lake adding to its mystery and beauty. It is composed of plant matter in various stages of decomposition, and is held afloat by the oxygen in its plants’ roots. It is believed that Rishi Prashar was once attracted by a fisherman’s daughter while she was rowing his boat in the lake. He even had sex with her even though it was daytime for which the sage created dense fog around the lake to make them invisible.

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. Alternatively, it is known that the temple was built in the 14th century by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in honour of the sage in the Himachal architecture.

The valley leading up to Prashar Lake is one of the many reasons to take this beautiful trek. During the months of January to March, the entire valley blooms with thousands of rhododendron bushes; washing it in a hue of lush fuchsia pink. Located at a height of 2730 m from sea level, the trail to Prashar Lake provides some really good views of Shimla, Kinnaur, Rohtang Pass and the Dhauladhar range.

If seen through binoculars on a clear day, you get to see all your favourite Himachal locations from a bird’s eye view. A vibrant annual fair is celebrated every year around June. Besides its religious importance, Prashar Lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by snowy peaks and lush green meadows, creating a perfect setting. The crystal-clear lake mirrors the beauty of the surrounding hills, creating a spellbinding sight. The significance of Prashar Lake extends to its ecological importance as well. The area surrounding the lake is home to diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the region’s biodiversity. 

The conservation efforts in this region play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at the wonders of Prashar Lake.

For those seeking an escape from the busy city life, Prashar Lake provides a perfect retreat. The environment, coupled with the fresh mountain air offers a wonderful experience. Camping by the lake under the starry sky adds a touch of magic to the overall experience, making it a memorable journey for both nature lovers and stargazers. 

But the significance of Prashar Lake in Himachal Pradesh is beyond its natural beauty. It holds a deep cultural and spiritual importance, attracting both pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts. Prashar Lake stands as a testament to the coexistence of spirituality and natural splendour. A visit to this enchanting destination is not just a journey but an exploration of the soul and a connection with the beauty of Himachal Pradesh.