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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