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KAPIL MUNI FAIR
KOLAYAT
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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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