Tanot Mata Temple, Jaisalmer
Tanot Mata Temple, located near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Tanot, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Hinglaj Mata. The temple is famous for its miraculous history during the Indo-Pak wars and its spiritual significance. It is maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF), making it a symbol of faith and patriotism.
🛕 History and Legend
- The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century by the Bhati Rajput clan, who were devotees of Goddess Tanot.
- According to legend, Goddess Tanot protected the region and its people from invasions and natural calamities.
- During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the temple witnessed a miraculous event:
- Over 3,000 bombs were dropped by the Pakistani army near the temple, but none exploded near the sanctum.
- The temple remained untouched, which the Indian soldiers and locals believe was due to the divine protection of Tanot Mata.
- In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the BSF soldiers again credited the goddess for their victory, strengthening the temple’s divine reputation.
- The BSF took over the temple’s management after the wars, maintaining it ever since.
🎯 Architecture
- Temple Structure: The temple features traditional Rajasthani architecture with a simple yet elegant design.
- Sanctum Sanctorum: The sanctum houses the idol of Tanot Mata, adorned with colorful attire, jewelry, and floral garlands.
- War Memorial: Adjacent to the temple is the Tanot Victory Memorial, built by the BSF to honor the soldiers who fought bravely in the wars.
- Artifacts Display: The temple premises display unexploded bombs from the 1965 war, symbolizing the divine protection.
🌿 Spiritual and Patriotic Significance
- Divine Protection: The temple is considered a guardian deity of soldiers and locals, believed to protect them from external threats.
- Symbol of Faith: It symbolizes the triumph of faith over destruction, as the unexploded bombs are displayed as a testament to the goddess’s divine intervention.
- War Memorial: The BSF pays tribute to the fallen soldiers by conducting special prayers on significant days.
🕉️ Rituals
- Daily Aarti: Performed twice a day, attracting devotees and tourists.
- Special Prayers: BSF personnel and local devotees offer prayers for protection and peace.
- Offerings: Devotees offer coconuts, sweets, and flowers to seek blessings.
- War Commemoration Ceremonies: On special occasions, the BSF holds flag-hoisting ceremonies and prayers in memory of the brave soldiers.
🛕 Temple Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
📍 How to Reach
- Address: Tanot Mata Temple, Tanot, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
- Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 120 km.
- By Road:
- You can hire a taxi, cab, or private vehicle from Jaisalmer.
- Rajasthan State Transport buses also run along this route.
- By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station, about 120 km away.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport, approximately 125 km from the temple.
🎉 Festivals and Celebrations
- Navratri: The temple witnesses grand celebrations during the nine-day festival, with special pujas, bhajans, and religious ceremonies.
- Independence Day and Republic Day: The BSF conducts special ceremonies at the temple, offering prayers for the nation’s protection.
- BSF Foundation Day: Special prayers and ceremonies are held by the BSF personnel in honor of their service and the temple’s divine protection.
🌿 Nearby Attractions
- Longewala War Memorial: Located around 45 km from the temple, this memorial commemorates the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- Jaisalmer Fort: A magnificent fort known for its golden sandstone architecture and historical significance.
- Sam Sand Dunes: A popular tourist spot for experiencing the Thar Desert’s beauty, offering camel rides and cultural performances.
- Gadsisar Lake: A scenic lake with temples and ghats, perfect for a peaceful visit.
