Introduction

At a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Bikaner, the town of Kolayat is a Hindu pilgrimage site of immense importance, so much so that a day’s stay here is considered equivalent to a decade spent at any other holy spot! It is believed that the legendary sage Maharishi Kapil, a descendant of Lord Brahma, performed his tapasya (meditation) at Kolayat for the redemption of the human race. That act itself lent a sense of piety to Kapilayatan, or Kolayat, as we know it now.

Today, a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni stands on one of the 52 ghats (bathing places) that surround the Kolayat Lake (Kapil Sarovar) - an artificial water body that never dries up, even though it is located in the middle of a desert region. The Kapil Muni temple, one of many shrines that dot the ghats, houses a marble deity of the sage, and is considered one of the holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage centers of Rajasthan.

A bath in the Kolayat Lake on a full-moon night in the month of Kartik (October -November) of the Hindu calendar year is believed to free the soul of man of all sin. Kartik Poornima, or full moon, is also the day of the Kapil Muni Fair, when devotees from far and wide converge at Kolayat. They pay their homage to the Maharishi at the temple, wherein pooja is performed by the Sewag Brahmins, who belong to a long line of priests. Followers of Kapil Muni offer coconut, ‘batasha’ (sugar drops), mishri (sugar cubes), dry fruits and cash, while singing songs about the virtues of the sage. A tradition is to float lighted lamps in the Lake once the pooja is over. The floating flames underneath the starry sky are indeed a sight to behold. During the Kapil Muni Fair, a livestock fair is also held in the region. Camels, horses, cattle and buffaloes are among the animals exchange hands, while the best breeders are handed out certificates and prizes.

Special Attributes

A small town that houses one of the most coveted Hindu pilgrimage sites; a lake whose water absolves one of all sins; a fair during Oct-Nov when devotees of the sage Kapil Muni throng the area to pay homage alongside a livestock fair during the same time.

Nuisance

Beggars

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Buses, private taxis, trains

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Carry sunblock, cap and bottles of water. It is advisable to carry warm clothes if you intend to stay after sundown.

Avoidable Season

October-November (Kartik Poornima - full moon

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Arms and Weapons, Liquor, Drugs.

Tip

Opt for a boat ride on the lake.

Type of site

Lake and Religious Shrine