Tanot Mata Temple

What Tanot Mata temple is

Tanot Mata is a temple to a local form of the goddess, set in the desert close to the India–Pakistan border. Since the wars of the 1960s and 1970s it has been looked after by the Border Security Force (BSF), and soldiers take part in the daily worship. For devotees and for many Indian travellers, it is one of the most meaningful places in the region.

The temple itself is modest. What draws people is the story, the sense of faith shared by soldiers and pilgrims, and the long drive across empty desert to reach it.

The story behind the temple

Tanot Mata is widely believed to be linked with Hinglaj Mata and the Charan tradition of goddess worship in western Rajasthan. The temple has local roots going back several centuries, though exact dates are not firmly recorded.

Its fame today comes from the 1965 war. According to the story told at the temple and across the region, many artillery shells fell around Tanot, yet a large number did not explode and the temple was not harmed. Devotees see this as the protection of the goddess. Numbers quoted for the shells vary widely, and there is no way to verify them, so it is best understood as a belief deeply held by the soldiers and local people. After the 1971 war, a victory pillar was added in the temple complex.

What to see

• The shrine: a simple, well-kept temple where you can join or watch the prayers.
• The shell display: a room showing shells that, by local account, landed near the temple in 1965 without exploding.
• The victory pillar: a memorial column raised after the 1971 war.
• Aarti: the morning and evening aarti are led with BSF participation and are the most atmospheric times to visit.

Visiting the border area

Rules in the border belt are set by the security agencies and can change quickly. The current general picture, which you should confirm locally before travelling, is:

• Indian nationals can drive to Longewala War Memorial and Tanot Mata temple with a valid photo ID; carry the original.
• Going beyond Tanot to the Babliyan BSF post (border viewing) is for Indian nationals only: register at the BSF counter at Tanot with original ID, or apply for the online e-pass through the Tanot temple trust (introduced in 2024).
• Foreign nationals should not plan on the border belt beyond the main road without written permission; the rules are not clearly published, so check with the district administration first.
• There is no fuel or reliable network after Ramgarh — fill up and carry water and snacks.
• Photography of army or BSF installations is not allowed.

In short, Indian nationals can usually visit the temple with ID, and only Indians can go on to the Babliyan post after registering. Foreign visitors should get clarity from the district administration before planning anything beyond the main road.

Getting there and practical notes

Tanot is ~120 km · 2–2.5 hr from Jaisalmer, via Ramgarh. Most people hire a car for the day and combine the temple with the Longewala War Memorial. Our Tanot and Longewala cab page explains the route and timings.

Entry to the temple is Free, and it is generally open about 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM. A BSF-run canteen and basic facilities are available near the temple. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, and follow the instructions of BSF staff at all times. Aim to leave the border belt before dark.