Kolayat is a town in the Bikaner district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also the headquarters of the eponymous tehsil.[1] The town is 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Bikaner on National Highway 15 to Jaisalmer.
Kolayat | |
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City | |
Kolayat Location in Rajasthan, India Show map of RajasthanKolayat Kolayat (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates: 27.8333°N 72.9500°E / 27.8333; 72.9500 | |
| Country | |
| State | Rajasthan |
| District | Bikaner |
| Elevation | 217 m (712 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 7,346 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Kolayat is an historical centre of pilgrimage where the Vedic sage, Kapila is believed by some to have shed his body under a Peepul tree. Kolayat has a number of marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 52 ghats (bathing places) built around a large artificial lake.
A temple dedicated to Kapila is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (October - November). During full moon of this month thousands of devotees of the Sankhya philosophy gather to take a dip in Kapil Sarovar. Devotees believe the lake has the power to wash away their sins. A livestock fair, mainly for the trading of camels is part of the festivities. [2]
Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) had an office at Kolayat, functioning until 1997.[citation needed] It was wound up after the end of mineral exploration activities in the surrounding areas.
As of 2001[update] India census,[3] Kolayat had a population of 7,346, of which 3,963 were male and 3,383 female.[4]
Water Gateways
Kolayat Lake
Historical places
KapilMuni Vatika
Cities and towns in Bikaner district | |
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| Bikaner |
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| Cities and towns in other districts |
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