Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the historic Tanot Mata Temple near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on Friday. During his visit, he offered prayers and sought blessings from Goddess Tanot for the security and prosperity of the nation.
The temple, located just a few kilometers from the international border, holds deep religious and patriotic significance for both soldiers and civilians. Rajnath Singh’s visit was part of his official tour of the western border areas, where he also interacted with Indian Army and BSF personnel deployed to protect India’s frontiers.
‘Feeling Blessed to Visit Tanot Mata Temple’: Rajnath Singh
After the visit, the Defence Minister shared several photos from the temple on his official social media handle, X (formerly Twitter).
In his post, he wrote:
“Feeling blessed after offering prayers at the Tanot Rai Mata Temple in Jaisalmer. The divine energy and aura of this sacred place are truly incredible.”
He also praised the temple’s historical significance and its connection with India’s defense forces, saying it represents faith, strength, and courage.
Warm Welcome by BSF Officials and Army Commanders
Upon his arrival at the temple, Rajnath Singh was warmly welcomed by BSF Deputy Inspector General Jatinder Singh Binji, Commandant Neeraj Sharma, and Assistant Commandant Vikas Narayan Singh.
He was accompanied by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Major General Ashish Khurana, Commander of the Battle Axe Division.
Together, they visited the temple premises and interacted with BSF and Army personnel stationed in the nearby border areas.
“Every Soldier Draws Strength from Tanot Mata’s Blessings”
Speaking at the temple courtyard, Rajnath Singh said,
“I consider myself fortunate to have received the blessings of Maa Tanot. Every soldier guarding our borders gains strength and courage from her divine presence.”
His words resonated deeply with the soldiers, as Tanot Mata Temple has long been considered a spiritual protector of India’s border troops. Many soldiers believe that the goddess’s blessings safeguard them during difficult missions along the border.
A Temple That Miraculously Withstood Bomb Attacks
During his visit, Rajnath Singh also stopped by the nearby Mahadev Temple, where several unexploded bombs from the 1965 Indo-Pak war are still preserved.
These bombs, dropped by Pakistani forces, are said to have landed near the Tanot Mata Temple but did not explode — an event that locals and soldiers alike attribute to the divine protection of the goddess.
The Defence Minister paid floral tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during that war. The site stands as a symbol of India’s resilience and spiritual strength, blending history, faith, and patriotism.
Tribute to the BSF: Guardians of the Nation
Praising the Border Security Force (BSF), Rajnath Singh lauded their unwavering dedication, discipline, and service.
“The BSF embodies the spirit of commitment and sacrifice. Even in the toughest conditions, our jawans continue to protect the nation’s borders with pride and courage,” he said.
He also interacted with BSF officers and discussed operational readiness, welfare measures, and modern security systems deployed along the western border.
BSF officials expressed gratitude for the Defence Minister’s visit, noting that it boosted the morale of the troops serving in remote desert regions.
More Than a Religious Visit — A Message of Patriotism
While the visit had a strong spiritual tone, it also carried a deeper message of patriotism and unity.
The Tanot Mata Temple, maintained jointly by the BSF and the local temple trust, is more than just a place of worship. It symbolizes the inseparable bond between faith and national defense in India’s border regions.
Every year, thousands of visitors and soldiers come to this temple to pay their respects. For decades, Tanot Mata has been regarded as a guardian deity protecting both the land and the people who defend it.
Rajnath Singh’s presence at this sacred site reinforced the connection between devotion and duty, highlighting how deeply rooted spiritual beliefs are in the hearts of Indian soldiers.
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About Tanot Mata Temple: A Symbol of Faith and Valor
Located about 120 kilometers from Jaisalmer city, the Tanot Mata Temple stands close to the Longewala border post, where one of the most famous battles of the 1971 Indo-Pak war took place.
According to local legends, the goddess Tanot, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Hinglaj, has been protecting the region for centuries.
The temple’s association with the Indian Army began during the wars of 1965 and 1971 when the area faced intense cross-border shelling. Yet, the temple miraculously survived every attack, strengthening the faith of soldiers and devotees alike.
Today, the temple is managed with support from the BSF, and it continues to inspire stories of bravery and divine intervention. It has also become a popular tourist attraction for visitors exploring Rajasthan’s desert landscape and war history.
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Faith, Courage, and National Pride Intertwined
Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the Tanot Mata Temple served as a reminder that faith and duty often go hand in hand in India.
His prayers for the nation’s safety, coupled with his interactions with soldiers, reflected the deep connection between spirituality and service to the nation.
For many, the visit wasn’t just a minister’s temple stop — it was a tribute to every soldier who defends the country with faith in his heart and strength in his hands.
