Hello there 🌸
I hope wherever you are, you all are fine and happy 🌺
I wish you all a happy start of the week ✨
This blog will be about the Prashar trek blog , which I had written about in my last blog. I am really sorry that I didn't write this blog from so much days , it's because of my college test which is going on from last Monday and the burnout after so much studying. So , we had reached Prashar after 4.5 hours of trek.
After seeing this much snow in the Prashar, I knew I am in trouble. Walking in 5 feet snow with casual shoes was really difficult and it's something I am always keeping in my mind during my next hike or trek. The landscape of snow covered meadows are so mesmerizing.
This stream has been formed by the snow water in Prashar and really beautiful to capture.
The panoramic view of snow clad ranges of Dhauladhar mountain and the dense forest surrounding it becomes a heart warming sight.
Several camping sites are also located here and it is a base for numerous easy and hard trek. The boundary of Prashar temple and lake starts from here. There are some restrictions like no alcohol, no non vegetarian food items , no eggs and no loud music allowed here. It is a very peaceful place belongs to our Prashar Rishi Ji and we all should be very respectful and responsible about following basic rules to preserve and protect this beautiful place.
Prashar lake is located at an altitude of 2730 metre or 8960 feet , it is known for sloppy meadows and the dense forest and is located in Mandi , Himachal Pradesh , India. An oval shaped lake with the background of the mountains looks dramatic like the one from the painting.
You can also see the authentic traditional houses made with timber wood , stones, mud and covered with slates surrounding the temple. These houses are made during 70s and 80s.
The sun had also started to come and the whole white sky turned into light blue sky. Seeing this weather made me really happy.
People from Mandi and other adjoining districts like Kullu , Bilaspur visit the place for worshipping Prashar Rishi and believes that their wishes shall be fulfilled by the blessing of the Rishi. In the month of June , ' Saranauhali ' a kind of fair takes place which is attended by large number of locals from Mandi and Kullu District.
A forest Rest House , Himachal Pradesh PWD Rest House and Sarain of temple committee are available for night stay.
The Prashar lake which has the perimeter of about 300 meter is decorated by floating island in it.
Surrounding by snow capped mountains and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas . This lake can be approached from Kataula , Mandi or from bajaura , Kullu valley. Both routes are 49km (30 metres). You can also book a taxi from Panarsa to Jwalapur valley to Prashar lake or come to Jwalapur in taxi and take a trek of 4 .5 hours from my village.
An ancient Pagoda style temple dedicated to the Rishi Prashar, the patron God of Mandi region, stands tall and strong besides the lake. The temple had been constructed by the king Ban Sen in 13th to 14th century with the Rishi being present in the form of a Pindi (stone).
It is also said that the whole temple was built by using single deodar tree and it took 12 years to complete the temple construction.
This place is so sacred and calm. There is also a belief that the lake considered sacred to the sage Prashara , who meditated here back then considering the Himachali architecture , the lake was named after him.
This is the tree which I had found really beautiful, standing tall in cold winters.
It's crystal clear water added to the charm of this scenic spot.
Traditionally, it is believed that the lake was formed as a result of striking of Guri (rod) by Rishi Prashar and water came out and took the shape of the lake.
The lake is 93% water which is mostly captured by the glacial runoffs or rainwater. The L circumferance of the lake is 1.5 km which accounts for its area to be approximately 2.5 acres.
There is a reason behind the oval shape of the lake. As per the legends , at the request of Dev kamrunag ( based on whom this entire valley is known by the name of Kamru Valley today ), Bheem one of the Pandavas, formed a lake in elliptical shape by pushing his forearm and elbow into the peak of the mountains.
Until now, no one has determined the depth of Prashar lake. It is said that a diver is not able to determine its depth. Locals say that once they have seen large trees drowning in the lake due to the storm and that too without leaving any mark on the surface. This Manzil which they call had made by me, it is believed that if this stands tall during different wind storm , you will be able to build a house like this in the future.
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 alot by the oxygen in its plants roots. The floating island covers 7% of the area of the lake and moves in all directions of the lake. There is no pace of speed with which it moves. When I came last summer here, the floating island is at the other corner of the lake .
Prashar lake is the hidden gem of the Himachal Pradesh. A walk around the lake gives a mystical experience of the calmness of the surrounding.
You also get to enjoy the beautiful views of Pir Panjal , Dhauladhar and Kinnauri mountain ranges. It is a heart warming sight. I could not go to end as I was really scared because of the snow.
A visit to Prashar is a perfect blend of spiritual journey and exploring into the serene and beautiful Himalayan mountains. You should once visit this place and feels the calmness of this place. That's it for today. I hope you like travelling with me and find this blog informative.
Thank you so much for reading my blog 💚
Sending you all a big virtual hug 🤗
Lots of love from Himalayas 💗
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