Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer

The Tanot Mata Temple 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 of the Attraction

Present since ages, the Tanot Mata shrine gained nationwide fame after the war between India and Pakistan that was waged in 1965. Militants from the other side of the border were shelling bombs aiming the Tanot village. However, despite the fact that more than 1000 bombs were launched, none of them diffused in the vicinity surrounding the Tanot Mata Temple, thus protecting its civilians and a large team of the Indian soldiers.

Getting There

The temple is 153 kms away from Jaisalmer. There are taxis plied every hour for taking devotees and visitors of the temple that is a two hour drive from the main city. Also those camping in the Thar Desert can hire a cab and pay a short visit to the legendary site.

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. 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.

Opening/Closing Timings and days

Being a hub of cultural and historic tourist attractions, it would be helpful to be aware of visiting hours of the temple. The temple is open to devotees since dawn and closes post dusk after Arati Puja every evening.

Entry Fees

Being a site for the devoted, the temple premises don’t charge any entry fee from visitors. It is maintained by the soldiers of BSF since 1965.

Best Time to Visit

Being located near the Thar Desert, the ideal time to visit the Tanot Mata Temple is during the months from November to January, when you can enjoy the blazing rays of sun and yet enjoy the chill of winter. So, chart out a trip to Jaisalmer and the Tanot Mata Temple for your winter holidays.