Kolayat

Kolayat is a town in the Bikaner district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also the headquarters of the eponymous tehsil. The town lies 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Bikaner on National Highway 15to Jaisalmer.

History

Kolayat is an historical centre of pilgrimage where the Vedic sage, Kapila is believed to have shed his body under a Peepul tree. Kolayat has a series of marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 52 ghats - bathing places - built around a large artificial lake which never goes dry.

A temple dedicated to Kapila is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when, on the day of the full moon, thousands of devotees of the Sankhya philosophy gather to take a dip in the holy waters of Lake Kapil Sarovar. The lake is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of devotees. A livestock fair, mainly for the trading of camels is part of the festivities.

Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) had an office at Kolayat, functioning until 1997. It was wound up after the end of mineral exploration activities in the surrounding areas. The presence of MECL brought a flow of officers from all parts of the country to this quaint village. Much economic activity was centered on catering the people belonging to MECL. The economic activity became diverse after MECL left the village, Population increased and kolayat has a much changed scenario now.

Kolayat (Rajasthan Assembly constituency)

Kolayat Assembly constituency is one of constituencies of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in the Bikaner (Lok Sabha constituency).

Kolayat Constituency covers all voters from Kolayat tehsil and parts of Bikaner tehsil, which include ILRC Deshnoke including Deshnoke Municipal Board.

References

See also