Kolayat(Kapil Tirth)/Kapil Muni Temple, Kolayatji,Bikaner,Rajasthan
The Kapil Muni Temple at Kolayat in Bikaner District of Rajasthan, previously known as Kapilayatan, is a religious place for Hindus. In ancient times Kapilayatan was the ashram of Kapil muni. There are several temples near the lake and the most famous one is dedicated to the sage Kapil Muni. The grand fair known as Kolayat Mela is celebrated every year with pomp and gaiety.
Bikaner is a colorful cultural city of Rajasthan. There are interesting markets, heritage buildings and temples that date back to the time when ancient sages lived on earth. However, there is a place called Kolayat near Bikaner which is a pilgrimage site for the local residents of Bikaner and people coming from far and wide.
According to legend, Kapil Muni, who was an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu and a great sage, founded the Sankhya Yoga philosophy. Once, while passing through Bikaner, Kapil Muni came to a certain place and was impressed by its peace. The sage stopped his journey towards the north-west of India, and made a temporary residence at this place to perform penance. It is believed that the sage lived under a Peepal tree. Due to the positive energy generated by the penance of Kapil Muni, this place became a powerful and revered place for the generations to come.
This place was named Kolayat and Kolayat has ghats, temples, a special lake and markets. It is located at a distance of about 50 to 51 kilometers from Bikaner city. Kolayat has temples made of marble and is famous for its beautiful pavilions made of sandstone. The city also has 32 ghats built around a man-made lake. However, the water of this lake is considered sacred and it has been a tradition among the devotees to take a holy dip in it. An annual fair on a large scale is organized at the lake site on the full moon day of the auspicious month of Kartik according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
