Kolayat
Town in Rajasthan, India
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Kolayat is a town in the Bikaner district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also the headquarters of the eponymous tehsil.[1] The town is 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Bikaner on National Highway 15 to Jaisalmer.
History
Kolayat is an historical centre of pilgrimage where Kapila, a Vedic sage in Hindu tradition, is believed by some to have shed his body under a Peepul tree. Kolayat has a number of marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 52 ghats (bathing places) built around a large artificial lake.
A temple dedicated to Kapila hosts an annual fair in the month of Kartik (October - November). During full moon of this month thousands of devotees of the Sankhya philosophy gather to take a dip in Kapil Sarovar. Devotees believe the dip in the lake washes away their sins. A livestock fair, mainly for the trading of camels is part of the festivities.[2]
Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) had an office at Kolayat, functioning until 1997.[citation needed] It was wound up after the end of mineral exploration activities in the surrounding areas.
Demographics
Attractions
Water Gateways
Kolayat Lake
Historical places
KapilMuni Vatika