Table of Contents
Highlights
| Location | Near the India-Pakistan Border, Tanot, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345022, India |
| Price | There is no entry fee to visit the temple. |
| Timing | 5 AM – 8 PM (Monday to Sunday) |
Tanot Mata Temple
In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan There is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus - The Tanot Mata Temple. The temple is situated on a hillock in the village of Tanot, about 120 km away from Jaisalmer, and has a beautiful view of the desert. The temple has a small cave that houses an idol of the goddess. The idol of Tanot Mata is made of black stone and is adorned with gold and silver jewelry. The idols of Hanuman and Ganesh ji are also in the house of this temple complex. This is one of the important temples in the country where, each year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and to seek blessings from the great Goddess Tanot.
Attractions of Tanot Mata Temple, Jaisalmer
Tanot Mata Temple, the most tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, is very famous and popular there. This place is another attraction for its desert and stunning views of the surrounding area.
The temple complex also houses a museum that displays arms used during the 1965-71 Indo-Pak Wars and some rare artifacts related to the history and culture of the temple. After visiting the temple, Noone even wanted to miss a camel ride in the Thar Desert.
On the day of Dussehra, a grand fair is held at the temple complex, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
History of Tanot Mata Temple
Tanot Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Tanot Mata in the town of Tanot in Rajasthan, India. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old. Vyasa is said to have built this temple in honor of the goddess Durga. Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput chieftain, built the temple as a tribute to Tanot mata in the 12th century. Several times over the centuries, the temple has been rebuilt. It has been a place of pilgrimage for Hindus for centuries and is especially popular with those seeking protection from evil spirits. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Pakistani forces bombarded the temple several times.
There is a miraculous story/tale of Tanot Temple in Rajasthan, where the local deity Tanot aka Awad Mata prevented Pakistani tank bombs from exploding at the border, and Indian soldiers, who were certain of death and defeat, crushed the Pakistanis in both 1965 and 1971. When Pakistan shelled the Indian Army during the 1965 war, the Indian Army was under tremendous pressure because of Pakistan's menacing firepower and inadequate weaponry. As a result, Pakistani forces captured large areas, including Kishangarh near Sadewala post, where Indian forces were in large numbers. During both world wars, more than 3,000 bombs were dropped either near or on the temple, but none of them exploded. Some of those bombs can be seen in the Museum too. The Border Security Force (BSF) took over the temple's management and maintenance after the 1965 war.
The Architecture of Tanot Mata Mandir
Tanot Mata Mandir is a unique Hindu temple built entirely of sandstone and decorated with elaborate intricate carvings on its exterior. There are two temples inside the complex, one dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the other to Goddess Durga. The temple has a massive gate decorated with elephants, horses, and camels. Upon entering the temple, there is a large archway that leads into a small courtyard. From here, four staircases lead to the main shrine. There is a veranda surrounding the shrine, which offers views of the surrounding desert landscape. The Mandir is also home to a large number of bells, which are rung by worshippers during puja (prayer) rituals. Assemblies are held in the assembly hall, meals are prepared in the kitchen, and accommodation is provided for pilgrims in the guest house.
There is also a mosque which was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb within the temple complex, which was built with red sandstone and has intricate carvings on its walls. There is also a museum in the temple complex, which has a huge collection of weapons used by the Royal families of Jaisalmer in the past. An excellent example of Indian religious architecture, the Tanot Mata Mandir reflects the rich cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.
Best Time to Visit Tanot Mata Temple
There are a lot of wind-powered renewable energy projects in the area because of the high average wind speed in the area. There are miles and miles of sand dunes and sand mountains surrounding the road to Tanot. The temperatures in the area can reach 49 °C, in summer, So the best time to visit is from October to January because At this time of year, the weather is cooler and the temple is less crowded.
How to Reach
Visiting Tanot Mata Temple is easy and convenient. The best way to get to the Tanot Mata Temple is either by car or public transport, hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw, as it’s situated quite far away from the main city. Also, people can go by train or bus, but those options may take longer. Take National Highway 15 heading west out of Jaipur. By road, it takes two hours to reach the temple, which is 122 kilometers (76 miles) away from Jaisalmer.
Tips while Visiting
- People are required to take off their shoes before entering the main shrine.
- Pilgrims follow a strict code of conduct while inside the premises.
- The Tanot Mata Temple Arti is scheduled between 6 PM and 7 PM in the evening.
Tanot Mata Temple: Places to Visit around
The temple complex houses a museum with artifacts from the Bhati period. its unique collection of weapons, jewelry, coins, and more, the temple complex is also home to a number of other temples that are worth visiting. Gauri Shankar's Temple, Ganesh's Temple, and Hanuman's Temple are three such temples. Some of the herbs fell here when Lord Hanuman was carrying a mountain of herbs to save Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana. The temple is surrounded by many small shops that sell souvenirs and other items. The temple is one of the most important in the Thar Desert region and attracts devotees from all over India. Visitors come to see the temple's beautiful architecture and learn about its history and mythology.
FAQ's
Q. How far is Tanot Mata Mandir from Jaisalmer
Tanot Mata Mandir is located about 120 kilometers away from Jaisalmer city. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the temple by road. The route basically goes through the western border of India which has a few military check posts along the way.
Q. What makes Tanot Mata Mandir so famous?
Tanot Mata Mandir is famous for its spiritual significance and its association with the Indian army. Tanot Mata Mandir is immensely popular among locals and tourists alike. People come here to pay their respects and seek blessings from the goddess.t is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India and is known for its historical significance and its spiritual aura.
Q. Can I visit Tanot Mata mandir without permission?
Visitors to the temple do not need permission from anyone to enter. However, it is advisable to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Q. What is the distance from Tanot Mata mandir to the border?
The distance from the Tanot Mata mandir to the border is approximately 10 kilometers.
Q. Can I visit Longewala without permission?
No, you cannot visit Longewala without permission. The Indian Army controls the area and they do not allow civilians to enter without prior approval.
