Kapil
Muni Fair Kolayat
The Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner district held
on Kartik Poornima at Kolayat-originally Kapilayatan-named after
the sage Kapil who is believed to have done tapasya (meditation)
here for the redemption of mankind. Kolayat is situated in an arid
area.
There is a lake with 52 Ghats shaded by banyan trees around the
lake. A temple dedicated to Kapil Muni is situated on the Kapil
Muni ghat and it has a marble statue of the saint.
A large number of people come to Kolayat to redeem themselves by
taking holy dips in the Kolayat lake throughout the year, but it
is considered very auspicious to take a dip on Kartik Poornima.
The lakeside is dotted with temples. Ghats named after these temples
allow privacy to the pilgrims, with some ghats meant only for women.
Visiting Kolayat has been considered to be a tirtha or pilgrimage
of great importance and it is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat
benefits as much as 10 years spent at any other sacred place. The
legendary Maharishi Kapil and the Kapilayatan lake find mention
in the Puranas and Kapil Muni is believed to have descended from
Lord Brahma.
A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the Kapil Muni Fair.
Buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and
prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.Kolayat is
situated 50 kms. to the south-west of the city of Bikaner. There
is a direct railway route from Bikaner to Kolayat. Regular buses
ply from Bikaner to Kolayat.
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