Tanot Mata is a revered temple for hindus in Tanot village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. It is the temple of Goddess Aavad, the daughter of Mamadia Charan (Gadhvi), who is worshiped as Tanot Mata, an incarnation of divine goddess Hinglaj Mata. The village is located very close to the international border with Pakistan, and has been shelled by Pakistan Army, both during 1965 & 1971 wars, but the temple, its deity and the surroundings have survived without a scratch giving further boost to its legendary status.
The temple built in the namesake village of Tanot, when Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao made Tanot the capital of his kingdom. The small village with a very small population, is located very close to the historic battle scene of Longewala of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Tourists are not allowed to go beyond this temple towards the international border without relevant documents and advance permission from the District and Military Authorities. A major tourist destination in Jaisalmer, the temple was attacked by Pakistan Army; during 1965 war with over 3,000 artillery shells and mortars.
However, legend goes none of them reached anywhere near the temple, and if any bombs fell in and around the temple, it did not explode. Tanot Mata temple was attacked again during 1971 war. However, this time the attacking tanks got stuck in sand, this allowed the Hunter fighter jets of Indian Air Force to route them. It is said, the Pakistani General who led the assault actually inquired about the incident and was surprised about the story of temple being unscathed. He requested permission to visit the temple, which was granted and the Pakistani General actually visited the temple to pay his respects even acknowledging the supernatural happenings.
There is a museum built adjacent to the temple that displays certain historic artefacts including several unexploded artillery shells. After 1971 war, the Indian Army built a Vijay Stambha or Victory Tower inside the temple compound to commemorate victory in Battle of Longewala. Since 1965 war, Border Security Force (BSF) is responsible for managing and maintenance of the temple.
History
Tanot Mata temple was constructed and the idol of the deity, was installed by Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao in 828 AD. Legend goes that there was a man named Mamadia Charan, who was childless travelled on foot to Hinglaj Mata in Baluchistan 7 times, seeking the blessings of the goddess for a child. One night, Hinglaj Mata asked Mamadiya Charan in his dreams, whether you want a son or a daughter, he reportedly said ‘Hinglaj Mata you should take birth at my house’. Subsequently he had 7 daughters and 1 son. One of them was Aavad Mata, who became known as Tanot Mata.
Since then, the temple located 122 kms from Jaisalmer city is revered and worshipped by Bhati Rajputs and the people of Jaisalmer. The road to Tanot Mata temple is studded with miles and miles of sand dunes and mountains. The area is known for highspeed winds and as a result nowadays several windmills of wind-based renewable energy projects can be seen on the road to the temple. The scorching heat and unbearable temperatures of average 49°C during summertime means that the ideal time to visit the temple is during winter season from November to January, when the temperatures are mild.
Tanot Mata Temple situated in Tanot village in district Jaisalmer, is a major attraction for those visiting Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Tourist can visit the temple by hiring chartered taxi or state bus for a two-hour drive from Jaisalmer. Tourist can try delicious Rajasthani food on their way to the temple from Jaisalmer, in the roadside dhabas. After visiting the temple tourist can plan a camel safari in the Thar Desert. The temple is open for devotees with no entry fee, from 5 AM to 8 PM closing after Arati Puja every evening.
During months of April and September despite scorching heat, that keeps tourists away, the temple is decked up colourfully with beautiful flowers for Ramnavami and Navratri festivals, where free lunger is served by BSF. The temple attracts hordes of devotees from all parts of India during these two festivals even at the height of summer. Tourist and devotees can reach the temple from Jaisalmer Railway Station, Main Bus Stand or Airport; by hiring a chartered taxi or bus, that ply daily at regular intervals to the temple. Tourist can also visit the Gadisar Lake, and the abandoned Kuldhara village.
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