Tanot Mata Temple:
The historic Tanot Mata Temple, a 1,200-year-old sacred site near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, is set to reopen for visitors as border tensions subside.
- Tanot Mata Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
- It is dedicated to Tanot Rai, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Hinglaj Mata.
- According to local legends, the temple was established by a group of local tribes who worshipped the goddess Tanot Rai.
- Over time, the temple grew in popularity and became a significant religious site for devotees.
- In 1965 and 1971, during the Indo-Pakistan War, Tanot Mata Temple gained widespread recognition when it survived heavy bombardment unharmed, which further strengthened the belief in the protective powers of the deity among locals and soldiers.
- Despite the shelling of thousands of bombs from the Pakistan border, not one exploded in the vicinity of the temple.
- The unexploded bombs are, till date, treasured in the Tanot Museum within the temple premises.
- After the 1971 war, the temple was handed over to the Border Security Force of India, who continues to manage the Temple.
- The Indian army built a Vijay Sthamba within the temple premises, and every year on December 16, a celebration takes place to commemorate the victory of India over Pakistan.
