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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This temple in Rajasthan stood against thousands of bombs: The untold story of war, faith and Indian Army
'Sandese aate hain, hume tadpate hain', it's not just a song but the emotions of many! These lyrics are the emotions of every member of a family whose sons and daughters are serving their nations, standing on borders and guarding their homelands with their lives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Parts of the song, from the blockbuster movie 'Border' were extensively shot near the 1971 Battle of Longewala ground, near Jaisalmer which is also home to the revered Tanot Mata Temple. Tanot Mata is not an ordinary temple. This Hindu temple in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, is located near the border with Pakistan. It is where the Longewala war happened during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 where India came out victorious. Live bombs from the war, the story The temple is unique in many senses as it houses live bombs from the war. During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, the temple was attacked by over 3,000 bombs. But as per local lore, these bombs some missed their target and some did not explode. Soon after, India's Border Security Force (BSF) took charge of the maintenance of the temple and nearby region. Later, in 1971, Tanot was again attacked during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (Battle of Longewala). The border was attacked by tanks but they could not get in and went down in the sand. After winning the war, a Vijay Stambha or a Victory tower was built inside the temple. The bombs that did not explode were placed inside the temple. These heavy looking bombs are now put on display on shelves inside the temple covered by glass doors. The tanks are placed close to the temple near the border. There's also a cute cafe called 'Border' cafe and a theater room where only 'Border' (the movie) plays. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Soldiers praying ground This is an important temple for soldiers who regularly pray here. They have immense faith in the deity and believe that the goddess protects them from any harm. It is quite an emotional scene looking at these strong soldiers breaking down in front of the goddess's statue to seek her blessings. Who was Tanot Mata As per history books, the temple was built by the Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao in 828 AD. And since then, the temple became popular among people of Jaisalmer. As per the Charan records, the deity here is the incarnation of Hinglaj Mata and who later reincarnated as the Karni Mata. Legend has it that a man named Mamadji Charan has no kids. He decided to visit Hinglaj Mata on foot seven times to get a child. Then Hinglaj Mata asked him whether he wanted a son or a daughter, the man asked the goddess herself to take birth at his house in the form of their own kid. Soon after, the man was blessed with seven daughters and one son and one among them was Aavad Mata, also known as Tanot Mata. Victory Memorial and the war museum There is a Victory Memorial and a war museum housing the unexploded Pakistani bombs and tanks. On 16th December every year, the victory of India is celebrated at the temple. Today, the temple along with the war memorial museum are a part of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative of the Indian Military. It was done to boost border tourism. How to reach By Train : Tanot Mata temple is only 120 km from Jaisalmer city. The Jaisalmer Railway station is the nearest to the temple. Visitors can hire local cabs or taxis to reach here. It takes around two hours to reach. By Air : The closest airport to Tanot Mata is in Jodhpur. From here, you can book cab rentals that take some four hours to reach the city. Best time to visit The best time to explore this temple is between November and January. The weather remains rosy and pleasant during this time. Because the temperature is comfortable, it is easier to explore the temple and nearby regions. So next time you plan a trip to Jaisalmer, make sure you visit Tanot Mata temple.
India Gazette
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Rajasthan: Tanot Mata temple reopens near India-Pakistan border as tensions ease
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) [India], May 16 (ANI): Tanot Mata temple near the India-Pakistan border reopened for devotees on Friday as tensions between India and Pakistan eased. During the tension between India and Pakistan, daily worship rituals continued despite the closure. Priests appointed by the Border Security Force (BSF) had led these rituals. 'During the entire time, the everyday work of the temple had continued. There was no break. The villagers were allowed to visit the temple, but there were certain restrictions. However, it is now open for all the devotees,' BSF DIG Yogendra Singh Rathore told ANI. On Thursday night, a special aarti was organised at the Tanot Mata temple in the presence of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Jaisalmer North sector, Yogendra Singh Rathore. All the officers and jawans of the battalion were present for the aarti, and everyone took blessings from the Goddess. Speaking to ANI, DIG Rathore said, 'Yesterday (Thursday), we organised a special aarti at the temple. And you know, for BSF, the Tanot Mata holds a special place. It is not just a matter of respect for us, but also a tradition that we worship her at the border.' The BSF oversees the Tanot Mata temple, renowned for its ties to miraculous occurrences, particularly during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. In the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the Tanot Mata temple located in Rajasthan emerged as a symbol of faith and strength, despite many bombs being dropped in close proximity without detonating. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated when the India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the deaths of more than 100 notorious terrorists. This operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national. The two countries reached an understanding on May 10 to stop all firing and military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. On May 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Operation Sindoor has carved out a benchmark in India's fight against terrorism and has 'set up a new parameter and new normal.' PM Modi also referred to India's surgical strike in 2016 at terror launch pads along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the air strikes at a terror camp in Pakistan in 2019. He mentioned that following the two operations, Operation Sindoor represents India's ongoing policy against terrorism. 'After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India's policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal,' he said. (ANI)
Time of India
10-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Jaisalmer keeps being guarded by miraculous shield of Tanot Mata
JAIPUR: In the heart of Rajasthan 's desert frontier, where faith meets modern warfare, stands the ancient Tanot Mata temple - a 1200-year-old shrine that has become synonymous with divine protection against foreign aggression. Thursday night's thwarting of Pakistan's drone attacks on Jaisalmer's military installations has once again stirred discussions about the temple's mystical defensive powers. The temple, managed by the Border Security Force ( BSF ), has a remarkable history of supernatural intervention during Indo-Pak conflicts. During the wars of 1965 and 1971, hundreds of Pakistani shells that landed near the temple mysteriously failed to detonate. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases These unexploded ordnances, now displayed within the temple premises, stand as silent witnesses to what many believe was divine intervention. Thursday night's incident has added another chapter to this extraordinary narrative. As Pakistan launched a swarm of drones targeting military bases in Jaisalmer, India's air defense systems successfully intercepted the threat. Remarkably, not a single drone managed to strike any military installation, with any fallen drones landing harmlessly in deserted areas. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo "It might indeed be possible that Tanot Mata has once again shown her divine miracle," remarked a senior BSF official, acknowledging the peculiar coincidence of the successful defense operation. The temple's legendary protection extends back to the 1971 war, when a small Indian army unit of just 120 soldiers at Longewala successfully repelled an attack by Pakistani mechanised infantry force. This battle became famous for foiling Pakistan's ambitious plan to "have breakfast in Ramgarh, lunch in Jaisalmer and dinner in Jodhpur." The temple's influence was so profound that even Pakistani commanders acknowledged its power. Five silver umbrellas offered by Pakistani commanders still adorn the temple, telling tales of inexplicable phenomena that left military strategists bewildered. Local residents like Giril Bhatia and Mayur Kumar firmly believe in the temple's protective powers. "The countless scarves and threads tied in the temple narrate the story of this belief," says Bhatia, pointing to the stream of devotees who visit the shrine with their wishes and prayers.
