Prashar Lake, Sacred lake in Mandi district, India

Prashar Lake is a freshwater lake at 2,730 metres in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. A three-storey pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Parashara stands on its bank. The lake holds a floating island of decomposing plant matter, held up by oxygen in its plants' roots.

The pagoda-style temple beside the lake was commissioned in the 14th century by King Ban Sen, founder of the Mandi princely state. Local tradition holds that the sage Parashara performed penance on this ground. The three-storey wooden temple took 92 years to build, with stone walls tied by wooden beams, and its exterior and pillars carry carvings of deities, serpents, trees, flowers and animals.

The site holds religious significance for pilgrims who come to honor sage Parashara, whose meditation here inspired the construction of a pagoda-style temple on the banks. Visitors often see locals performing rituals and prayers at this temple, which remains an active place of worship today.

The best time to visit is between April and July, when weather conditions favor outdoor activities and hiking. You can reach the lake by trekking from Baggi village, so wear proper footwear and bring water.

A floating island composed of decomposed plant matter drifts freely across the water surface, covering a portion of the lake. This natural phenomenon is uncommon and makes the lake a geological curiosity in the region.