PRASHAR LAKE

                          Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake lies 49 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India with a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The lake is located at a height of 2730 m above sea level. With deep blue waters, the lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas, the lake can be approached via Drang.

Mythology

Mythology says that this lake was formed by Pandawas when they were on their way after Mahabharata with Deity Kamrunag (based on which this entire valley is know by Kamru Valley today) to find best place for their teacher, Dev Kamrunag and Deity love the isolation of this place so much that he decided to stay here for the rest of his life. On his request, Bheemsen one of the Pandava brothers formed the lake by pushing his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain. And that is the reason believed by locals after oval-shaped lake with depth unknown. Many a time in storms an almost 30-meter-tall cedar tree would fall into the lake to disappear. Today faith from all faiths of people brings them here. As an offering people throw money, silver coins and gold into the water. This place is available for visitors throughout the year except for winter months, i.e. Dec. through March. Now with increased faith and visitors there are few hotels available with basic facilities with reasonable price. 03 hrs (106 km) trek from Rohanda to Kamrunag Lake.

Understand

The three tiered Pagoda like temple nearby the lake is dedicated to sage Prashar. The lake is located at 2730 meters. There is big camping ground near the lake. There is small island in the lake which changes its position. The lake has religious significance and needs to be respected according to local traditions. It had become a good trekking spot lately because of its proximity to plains as well as peaceful and breathtaking views.

GET IN

By bus

There is a motorable road all the way up to the lake. You can take the 7.45 AM bus from Mandi which reaches Prashar lake (via Kataula and Bagi) at around 11.15 AM and returns from Prashar lake at 1.15 PM reaching Mandi at around 4.15 PM daily. Buses do not play in peak winters when it snows as the road is not in good condition. You can also take a bus till Bagi and trek through the forest.

By foot

You can start the trek from Bagi village (around 26 kms from Mandi via Kataula). Do note that there is another village named Baggi in Himachal Pradesh as well and Bagi is not to be confused with Baggi. Trek distance is 7.5 kms and it will take around 4-5 hours to trek all the way. The trek is mostly uphill and the route is not marked. It’s better to consult locals in case of confusion as they are friendly and helpful. Carry enough water with you for the trek as there is no water point once you start uphill. Kataula is relatively bigger village where you can find almost all the basic utility items including primary health facilities.

By taxi

Taxis can be hired from Mandi to Prashar lake which may cost around ₹1000 to ₹1500 depending on season and weather.  Bargaining is suggested.

See

Prashar lake is a day picnic spot for nearby locals. Enjoy the beautiful Dhauladhar ranges from the top and while en-route. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. Meditate and enjoy the nature. It snows at Prashar lake in winters (December end to February).

Do

Another 12 kms trek to Tunga Mata can be done.

Eat

There are a couple of small restaurants while serve basic food at very reasonable prices (₹60 for a meal) which might not be operational in winters. No place to eat en-route the trek path.

Drink

Since the lake is of religious importance, drinking alcohol is not allowed nearby and tourists are expected to respect the local traditions.

Sleep

There is a PWD and Forest rest house at the top. You can stay there in case the rooms are available. Electricity is available in both the rest houses and the rooms are large and clean. Toilets are equipped with geysers as well. Enquire about the availability of food before staying. There are a couple of small restaurants as well near the lake which might be closed in winters. A PWD rest house is located at Bagi as well but its a small one and the availability depends on the season and traffic. Kataula (around 22kms from Mandi) is the main village in this valley where you might get a place to stay overnight. Both the resthouses are available at ₹500 per night (Oct' 2014 price). Meal cost is extra.

Temple campus can also allow accommodation for free if asked for. Do not expect any luxury and facilities. There is large camping ground as well near the lake.

CARE OF YOUR EYES WITH YOGA

Yoga For Eyes:

Before you start doing these eye yoga exercises, wash your eyes thoroughly with cold water. Keep your head aligned with your spine throughout the exercise routine.

1. Exercise 1 – Stretching exercise for eyes:

• Start this set of yoga exercises for eyes with stretching exercises.
• Begin by massaging your lower eyelids with your ring fingers in gentle circular motions.
• First massage clockwise and then repeat anti-clockwise.
• Now you can proceed with the other yoga eye exercises.

2. Exercise 2 – Breathing:

• Close your eyes halfway looking downwards.
• Now you can feel your upper eyelids trembling constantly.
• To control this, try concentrating on a distant object.
• Now slowly close your eyelids.
• Don’t just close your eyes but imagine them puffed up.
• Now breathe through your nose deeply feeling the oxygen reaching your eyes.
• Exhale through your mouth.
• Continue this breathing exercise for 2 minutes.
• End it with a broad smile.

3. Exercise 3 – Nasagra Dhrushti:

The next yoga is called Nasagra Dhrushti.

• Position your eyeballs in such a way that you will be able to see the tip of your nose.
• Keep your sight fixed for 30 seconds on your nose tip
• Now close your eyes and blink.

4. Exercise 4 – Lubricating the eyes:

The next asana would be to lubricate your eyes. This is beneficial for those who are into software and gaming, or excessive screen time. At times, while staring at the screen, we forget to blink our eyes over a long period of time. From now on, make it a point that no matter how much work you have, don’t forget to blink. Blinking will not only lubricate your eyes but also cleanse them of all dust particles. It will also massage the muscles around your eyes.

5. Exercise 5 – Controlling the gaze:

• Sit straight and fix a point in front of you.
• Now look to your extreme right with your eyes as much as you can.
• Don’t move your head.
• Again bring your gaze back to the point in front of you.
• Blink your eyes to relax.
• Repeat and blink.
• In the same way, stretch your eye muscles to your left, top, bottom, upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left directions.
• After every direction remember to blink twice or thrice.

6. Exercise 6 – Rotating the eyes with ‘8’:

• Draw an imaginary number eight in front of you with your eyes.
• Blink to relax the muscles.
• Repeat and again blink.

7. Exercise 7 – Palming:

Draw a circle with your eyes. Close your eyes and blink. After you are done with the above set of seven eye muscle stretching exercises, do palming. It works at relaxing your eyes with the palms of your hands.
Here is how you have to do it.

• Rub the palms of both your hands together to warm them up.
• Now cross one palm over the other in such a way that an inverted V is formed after crossing the palms.
• The left palm should be below the right palm. See the picture above.
• Cover both eyes with your palms such that the inverted V falls over the bridge of your nose.
• Breathe through your nose.
• Now open your eyes and turn towards the sun.
• See if any light is entering through your fingers. If so, then position your fingers in such a way that no light enters through fingers.
• When you see complete darkness in front of your eyes, breathe in deeply.
• Feel the warmth coming to your eyes from your palms.
• Your neck and head should be in a straight line.
• Keeping your breathing normal, imagine a dark space in front of your eyes.
• Stay for at least 2 minutes in this position. Now remove your palms and open your eyes slowly.

After you have finished the palming exercise, you have relaxed your eyes enough to perform the Dynamic Eye exercises.
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Dynamic Eye Exercises:

Exercise 1:

• Sit straight.
• Look to the extreme right and then to the extreme left.
• Repeat for 3 times and then blink for a few seconds.
• Now look up and down and then diagonally for 3-4 times.
• Don’t miss the blinking in between.

Exercise 2:

Next is the focusing exercise.

• First look at the tip of your nose and then focus at a distant object.
• Look back to the tip of your nose and again at a far off object.
• Repeat this 10 times.

Finish off these dynamic eye exercises with palming.

Eye Exercises For Screen Users:

Now some eye exercises for all screen users, especially programmers and video game lovers. Practicing these eye exercises regularly for 10 minutes will relax your eye muscles for the day and you are ready to spend hours before the computers and T.V. screen.

• Close your eyes as tight as you can. Keep it closed for 15 seconds and now open them quickly. Blink for 5-6 times.
• This exercise is done best when lying down flat on your back but sitting at your desk while doing this is fine too.
• Close your eyes fully and breathe for a minute.
• Now open them and focus at a distant object.
• Again close, breathe deeply and visualize the object in your mind’s eye.
• This exercise is not only good for relaxing tired eyes but also improves concentration.
• The next exercise will be to strengthen your eye muscles.
• Close your eyes and roll the eyeballs.
• Sit on a chair comfortably. Now opening your eyes, look up as much as you can.
• Mind you don’t move your head.
• Continue looking upwards for 5 seconds.
• Now bring your eyes downwards to view the tip of your nose.
• Again hold for 5 seconds.
• Now blink.
• Repeat this 5 times.
• Finish this series with palming for a complete eye relaxation.

Your eyes are very precious. Make sure you take proper care of them. Yoga for eyes is the way to go to make sure your eyes are rested, taken care of and in good health!