Tanot Mata Temple

Tanot Mata Temple is a historic Hindu shrine located near the Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. Established in 828 AD by King Tanu Rao Bhati, it is dedicated to Goddess Tanot Mata, an incarnation of Hinglaj Mata. The temple is renowned for its miraculous survival during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, where thousands of bombs reportedly failed to explode nearby. Managed by the Border Security Force (BSF), it houses a war museum displaying unexploded bombs and serves as a significant site for both devotees and history enthusiasts.

Visitors can expect a serene spiritual experience in a remote desert setting close to the international border. The temple complex features traditional architecture, a war museum with unexploded bombs from the 1965 war, and a victory tower. Devotees can participate in daily aartis and offer prayers. The surrounding area offers views of the Thar Desert landscape and wind energy projects. Due to its border location, visitors must obtain a permit from the BSF to access certain areas near the border pillar.

The temple was established in 828 AD by King Tanu Rao Bhati. It gained prominence during the 1965 Indo-Pak War when over 3,000 bombs dropped by the Pakistani Army reportedly failed to explode near the temple. During the 1971 war, the temple again remained unharmed while Pakistani tanks got bogged down in the sand at Longewala. The Border Security Force (BSF) took charge of the temple's maintenance after the 1965 war.

Tanot Mata is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Hinglaj Mata and is considered the guardian deity of the region and Indian armed forces stationed at the border. The temple holds deep religious significance for local Rajputs and Charan communities. It represents faith and resilience, with annual celebrations on Vijay Diwas (December 16) commemorating the 1971 war victory.