Where the Dhauladhars cradle a legend, and the waters mirror the sky
Perched beside the mystical Parashar Lake at an altitude of 2,730 meters, the Parashar Rishi Temple is a 13th-century wooden marvel dedicated to Sage Parashar, the grandson of Rishi Vashishta and father of Ved Vyasa. This temple is not only a spiritual retreat but also a testament to Himachali craftsmanship, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dhauladhar range.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Parashar Lake, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh – 175005
- By Road: 49 km from Mandi via Kataula or Bajaura; accessible by taxi or private vehicle
- By Rail: Joginder Nagar (~80 km) or Chandigarh (~200 km)
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport (~70 km) or Chandigarh Airport (~200 km)
- Trek Option: A scenic 7–8 km trek from Baggi village, through alpine meadows and cedar forests
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to Rishi Parashar, who is believed to have meditated at this very site. According to legend:
- The lake was created by Bhima, one of the Pandavas, who struck the ground with his elbow to form a depression for the sage’s meditation
- The idol of Parashar Rishi is enshrined in the sanctum, and the temple is revered by locals, sages, and trekkers alike
- Rituals include offering of flowers, incense, and ghee lamps, and the site is especially visited during Parashar Mela, held in summer
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
Built in the 13th century by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi, the temple is a three-tiered pagoda-style structure made of deodar wood and stone, featuring:
- Intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and mythical creatures
- A tiered slate roof that blends seamlessly with the alpine landscape
- A floating island in the adjacent lake, which mysteriously changes position throughout the year
- A serene, high-altitude setting, ideal for meditation, photography, and spiritual solitude
📜 Mythological Significance
- Sage Parashar is said to have chosen this spot for deep tapasya (penance)
- The floating island is considered sacred and is believed to be blessed by the sage’s presence
- The lake and temple are part of the Mahabharata-era lore, with connections to Bhima and Kamrunag
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Parashar Mela (June–July): A vibrant fair with devta processions, folk music, and local cuisine
- Rishi Panchami: Celebrated with offerings to sages and recitations of Vedic hymns
- Daily Worship: Morning and evening aartis, incense offerings, and chanting of sage mantras
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Kamrunag Temple: A sacred lake-top shrine linked to the Mahabharata
- Janjehli & Shikari Devi Temple: High-altitude treks and Shakti worship
- Karsog Valley: Known for ancient temples and Pandava legends
- Baggi Village: Starting point for the Parashar trek
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Parashar Rishi Temple is not just a shrine—it is a sage’s echo in the mountains, a place where the lake reflects the sky, and the soul finds stillness in the silence of cedar and snow. As you sit by the sanctum, with the floating island drifting gently and the Dhauladhars watching in silence, you feel the presence of a rishi who still listens. It is a temple where myth becomes landscape, and the **spirit finds its breath in the mountain wind.
