Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
Also known as Parashar Temple, Prashar Rishi Mandir, Parashar Lake Temple
Shri Parashar Rishi Temple near Mandi, HP, honours sage Parashar as a sacred Pindi stone beside Prashar Lake, famed for its shifting floating island.
Photos of Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
- Established
- 13th-14th century CE, under Raja Ban Sen of Mandi
- Architecture
- Pagoda-style, three-tiered wooden Himalayan hill temple, traditionally said to be carved from a single deodar tree
- Address
- D.P.F. Parashar Dhar, Himachal Pradesh 175005
- Timings
- 06:30–14:00 daily
History of Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
Commissioned in the 13th-14th century by Raja Ban Sen of the Mandi royal line, the temple was, per local tradition, built entirely from a single deodar tree over 12 years. Local legend holds the adjacent Prashar Lake formed when the sage struck the ground with his rod. It has long served as a pilgrimage site for devotees from Mandi and Kullu, and is actively maintained by a local temple committee that also runs a pilgrim rest house.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
- Saranahuli Mela
How to Reach Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~65 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~88 km. By road, ~50 km from Mandi town via Baggi/Drandaghat on a rough hill road; also reachable by trekking from nearby villages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Parashar Rishi Temple
Where is Shri Parashar Rishi Temple located?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple is located at D.P.F. Parashar Dhar, Himachal Pradesh 175005, in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple is generally open 06:30–14:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Parashar Rishi Temple built?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple was established 13th-14th century CE, under Raja Ban Sen of Mandi. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple is built in the Pagoda-style, three-tiered wooden Himalayan hill temple, traditionally said to be carved from a single deodar tree style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Parashar Rishi Temple include Saranahuli Mela. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~65 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~88 km. By road, ~50 km from Mandi town via Baggi/Drandaghat on a rough hill road; also reachable by trekking from nearby villages.
Why is Shri Parashar Rishi Temple significant?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple near Mandi, HP, honours sage Parashar as a sacred Pindi stone beside Prashar Lake, famed for its shifting floating island.
Is there an entry fee at Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Shri Parashar Rishi Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Shri Parashar Rishi Temple?
- Shri Parashar Rishi Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.