The tale of the devoted muni
Kapil Muni was a sage who was considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that while passing through Bikaner, he found a place that brought him immense peace and tranquillity. So much so that he chose to turn this place into his humble abode, and thus, Kolayat was born. The sage lived under the peepal trees that surrounded the Kolayat Lake and performed his penance. It is believed that sage Kapil Muni used to meditate for the welfare of the entire humankind.
Thus, to celebrate his devotion, the Kapil Muni Fair is celebrated near the Kolayat Lake each year on Kartik Purnima. There are around 52 ghats all over Bikaner but Kolayat Lake is one of a kind. If you are planning to visit the Kolayat Lake, visiting during Kartik Purnima will be auspicious and you will also be able to witness other customs and beliefs associated with the lake. The Kolayat Fair or the Kapil Muni Fair consists of various artistic and cultural performances thus celebrating the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Various local cultural performances along with the display of local art and crafts take place.
Architecture born of devotion
Covering the holy water of Kolayat Lake are beautiful temples and ghats. One of those temples is dedicated solely to sage Kapil Muni. The ghats and its corners offer picturesque views where you can sit silently for spiritual reflection. The architecture of the temples is truly commendable, each telling different stories of devotion. Kolayat Lake has several marble temples and sandstone pavilions built around the large artificial lake. Its sweet water is considered sacred and can wash away your sins if you take holy dips.
The ecological oasis
If you are a nature enthusiast, Kolayat Lake will surely take you on a beautiful journey. Surrounded by a myriad of peepal trees, the lake creates an enlightening environment, helping you connect to the reverence, devotion, and enlightenment that came before you.
It is also a haven for migratory birds that surround the area. Being an important source of water, Kolayat Lake is home to much of the local biodiversity, making it the perfect place for nature lovers.
Escape from monotony
If you want to capture the picturesque beauty of the calm water and the sunset washing over you, you can explore the entirety of the lake in a boat ride that will leave you mesmerised. You can also take pictures at the Kapil Muni temple situated nearby as it is architecturally very beautiful. It is also a ritual to light a lamp or a diya and offer it to the lake if you are planning to visit it after sunset. When visiting Kolayat Lake, if you plan to visit nearby attractions too, then you can easily stay at one of the guesthouses or hotels as there are a lot of accommodation facilities available nearby. If you want to know more about the local customs or stories, hiring a local guide on-site would be a good idea.
Kolayat Lake’s surroundings beckon
Kolayat Lake lies in the heart of Rajasthan, thus there are a lot of tourist spots nearby that you would not want to miss. There are various sacred places like Ramdevara Temple, Laxminath Temple, Karni Mata Temple etc. For architectural enthusiasts, there is Mehrangarh Fort, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park etc. There is also a Shivalaya situated near the Kolayat Lake that consists of 12 shivlingas. Another interesting place is the National Research Centre on Camels which is a must-visit place in Bikaner.
