Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer situated in the Tanot village of district Jaisalmer, is a major attraction for those visiting the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is enveloped within numerous legends that are sure to instil awe and curiosity towards its sacred power and purity. The heritage site is preserved and maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India since the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971.
Localities have immense faith on the temple’s austerity and pay regular visit to the Tanot Mata. She is believed to be an apparition of the Hinglaj Mata Goddess. Tanot is in close proximity with Longewala, a critical India-Pakistan border that forbids access to any individual without permission of Indian Government authorities. Due to its topography, it can harness large quantities of wind energy, thus visitors can see the rows of windmill energy power plants established here. There is a museum built adjacent to the temple that displays certain historic artefacts collected from the war period. This is a must visit place for those who wish to pay their homage to the Indian Army and the temple that is considered holy by the Indian heroes of defence and harmony.
History :-
It is said that during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Pakistani Army dropped over 3000 bombs targeting the temple but not even one exploded! The Pakistani Tank regiment was stupefied and kept shelling but not one bomb exploded. After the war the Pakistani General actually asked his counterpart in India about this incident and on knowing the story of the power of the temple that
This request was granted and the Pakistani General actually went to the temple and paid his respects and acknowledged the supernatural happening. After the war the temple management was handed over to Border Security Force of India on their request and to date the temple is maintained and manned by the BSF soldiers.
Things To Do In And Around :-
After paying your respects to the Goddess, you can take a round of the museum established in the same vicinity. It holds a public exhibition of the arms and ammunitions used during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. They hold great significance, as the bombs used to attack the natives of Tanot village never diffused. The place is one of the best place to explore in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. This temple was shown in the film Border.
The best time to visit is November – January, when the temperature is not likely to be extremely high. Taxis can be hired from Jaisalmer After completing this pilgrimage trip, you can plan a camel safari in the Thar Desert or plan a sightseeing trip of the majestic forts of Jaisalmer.
