Kolayat Temple is a notable mythological temple which is believed to have been closely related to the life of the Indian saint Kapil Muni, and is located at a distance of nearly 51 kms away from Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is based on Bikaner-Jaisalmer Highway and is a significant pilgrimage spot, being associated with Kapil Muni, the propagator of the `Sankhya` philosophy. This saint is said to have been the fifth avatar of the Hindu God, Lord Vishnu. Kolayat Temple consists of a beautiful marble temple, 32 bathing ghats constructed near a large artificial lake which is never dry, and also sandstone pavilions. According to a Hindu legendary tale, Kapila Muni was once engaged in deep meditation for the purpose of rescuing the human race from the clutches of evil and he had achieved salvation or enlightenment under the old peepal tree situated here. The tale also claims that he had shed his body under this very tree.
Architecture of Kolayat Temple
Marble and sandstone have been employed to construct the grand Kolayat Temple and it shelters the idol of the saint Kapila Muni inside its premises. Numerous pilgrims and `sadhus` or saints take a dip in the sacred waters of the lake nearby, to cleanse their sins and to attain redemption on full moon days. The bathing ghats of Kolayat Temple are immensely popular amongst the devotees, and so is the reputed `Kolayat Lake` which is also referred to as the `Kapil Sarovar`. The waters of the Kapil Sarovar are considered holy and probably that is the reason why this lake is always filled with water. Kolayat is one of the most well-known pilgrimage centres in the northern parts of Rajasthan, just after the renowned Brahma temple in Pushkar.
Kolayat Fair
During the month of `Kartik`, which constitutes the period from October and November, a grand fair known as Kolayat Fair is organised every year, particularly during `Purnima`. Pilgrims throng the grounds of the Kolayat Temple during this occasion and take a dip in Kapil Sarovar as Hindus believe that sins of devotees are washed off immediately after this ritual is performed. Dry fruits, coconuts, `mishri` or crystallized sugar lumps, `batasha` (an Indian sweet) and cash are offered to Kapila Muni in reverence and his devotees sing hymns in praises of the sage. According to traditions, lighted lamps are sent afloat the waters of the holy lake following the Puja. The sight of the floating lamps over the surface of the lake waters presents a breathtaking sight to the assembled pilgrims. Apart from this, a cattle fair is also observed annually, wherein camels are purchased and sold.
