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 | |
|---|---|
City | |
   | |
| Coordinates: 27°50′00″N 72°57′00″E / 27.8333°N 72.9500°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Rajasthan |
| District | Bikaner |
| Elevation | 217 m (712 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 7,346 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
History edit
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.
Demographics edit
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]
Attractions edit
Water Gateways
Kolayat Lake
Historical places
KapilMuni Vatika
References edit
- ^ Bikaner Administrative Setup Archived 9 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Kolayat temple". Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ Kolayat Population