Kolayat is a town in the Bikaner district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also the headquarters of the eponymous tehsil.Bikaner Administrative Setup The town is 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.
Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) had an office at Kolayat, functioning until 1997. It was wound up after the end of mineral exploration activities in the surrounding areas.
Demographics India census, Kolayat had a population of 7,346, of which 3,963 were male and 3,383 female.Kolayat Population
Attractions Water Gateways Kolayat Lake
Historical places KapilMuni Vatika
References
External links Kapil Muni Fair