The Tanot Mata Temple, located about 120 kilometers northwest of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is a famous shrine for Tanot Mata, seen as a form of Goddess Hinglaj Mata, linked to Goddess Durga. Set in the sandy Thar Desert near the India-Pakistan border, this temple is known for staying safe during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. This blog gives clear guide about the temple’s past, how it’s built, why it matters for worship, and what you need to know to visit.
History of Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple was built in 828 AD by Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao. Local stories say Mamadji Charan, a warrior sage, walked to Hinglaj Mata’s temple in Balochistan seven times to pray. In a dream, she gave him seven daughters and a son, with one daughter, Aavad, worshipped as Tanot Mata. The temple honors her as a war goddess, guarding the land. The temple became famous in the 1965 Indo-Pak War when 3,000 Pakistani bombs didn’t explode near it, saving Indian soldiers and locals. In 1971, during the Battle of Longewala, the temple stood unharmed as Pakistani tanks got stuck in the sand, helping India win. These events made folks believe in Tanot Mata’s power. The Border Security Force (BSF) now looks after the temple, adding a Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) and a museum with unexploded bombs. Every December 16, the temple marks the 1971 win with prayers.
How the Temple Is Built
The Tanot Mata Temple sits in the Thar Desert, made with plain white and brown stone in a simple Rajasthani style. The main shrine has a Tanot Mata idol, dressed in red cloth and sindoor, showing her divinity. The temple has a small courtyard with a brown brick pillar and arches with Rajasthani flower designs. A Vijay Stambh stands nearby, marking the 1971 war win. A small BSF-run museum shows unexploded bombs and war items from 1965 and 1971, telling the temple’s miracle story. Seven holy water tanks, called kunds, are nearby, with the main one said to heal. The complex is surrounded by sand dunes and windmills, with some sheep and goats along the road. The BSF keeps it clean, with parking, a spot to keep shoes (Rs. 2 per pair), and basic things like water and washrooms.
Why This Temple Is Special
The Tanot Mata Temple is a big place for worship, especially for soldiers and locals who see Tanot Mata as a protector. Called the “Vaishno Devi of Thar” or “Soldiers’ Goddess,” she’s prayed to for safety, courage, and good fortune. Her blessings are believed to have saved the temple and soldiers in the wars. The temple is busiest during Navratri in April and October, when fairs bring bright decorations, songs, and offerings like flowers, coconuts, and sweets. Daily aartis at 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM, is led by BSF men, filling the air with chants and incense. The temple’s border spot and war history make it a symbol of faith and pride.
Visiting Information for Tanot Mata Temple
How to Get There
The temple is in Tanot village, about 120 kilometers northwest of Jaisalmer, near the India-Pakistan border.
By Air
Your best bet is to fly into Jodhpur, about 300 km from Tanot. From Jodhpur airport, you can grab a taxi or hop on a bus to Jaisalmer—it’s a roughly four‑hour trip. Once in Jaisalmer, arrange a taxi for the final two‑hour stretch to the temple. (Jaisalmer does have its own airport, but flights there are infrequent.)
By Rail
The nearest station is Jaisalmer Railway Station, about 123 km from Tanot. Trains run there from Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. After you arrive, take a taxi or a local bus for the two‑hour drive out to the temple.
By Road
Tanot sits 120 km east of Jaisalmer along NH 70, and the drive takes around two hours. Group tours are best due to the border area, and a photo ID may be needed for BSF permission.
Temple Hours
The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM daily. Aartis are at 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM. During Navratri, hours may stretch. Check with BSF or temple staff for festival times.
Best Time to Go
The best time is November to January, when it’s cool, from 10°C to 25°C, and good for desert travel. Navratri fairs in April and October are lively but busy. Summers, from May to June, can be very hot, up to 49°C, so go early. Rainy months, July to September, might make roads tricky.
Rules for Visitors
Men are expected to wear shirts along with trousers or traditional dhotis, preferably with a cloth draped over one shoulder. Women should opt for sarees, half-sarees, or churidars paired with a dupatta. Outfits like jeans, sleeveless tops, or shorts aren’t considered appropriate inside the temple premises.
Shoes must be removed before entering. There’s a designated area to store your footwear, and a small fee of ₹2 per pair is charged.
Please avoid chewing paan (betel leaves), using tobacco, or spitting around the temple. Such actions are strictly discouraged.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple complex, but if you wish to take pictures inside the inner sanctum, it’s best to ask the BSF personnel present for permission, as they manage the site.
There’s no ticket required to enter, but contributions are welcome and go a long way in helping maintain the temple and its surroundings.
Since the temple is in the middle of the Thar Desert, it’s wise to carry drinking water, light snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat or cap, and sunglasses. The heat can be intense, especially during the day.
Also, keep an eye out for monkeys in the area—they are known to snatch food and other belongings if left unattended.
If you plan to visit areas near the border, bring a valid photo ID, as you may be asked to show it at certain checkpoints.
Final Words
Tanot Mata Temple near Jaisalmer is a sacred site known for both faith and history. Built in 828 AD by King Tanu Rao, it miraculously survived the 1965 and 1971 wars. Cared for by the BSF, its peaceful desert setting and spiritual aura make it a symbol of divine protection and Rajasthan’s proud legacy.
