Rajnath Singh offers prayers at iconic Tanot Mata temple near Indo-Pak border

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited the historic Tanot Mata temple near the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, paying tribute at a site steeped in both history and popular culture.

Singh, on his two-day visit to Jaisalmer, was accompanied by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Battle Axe Division Commander Major General Ashish Khurana. At the temple, he was welcomed by BSF DIG Jatinder Singh Binji, Commandant Neeraj Sharma, and Assistant Commandant Vikash Narayan Singh.

During the visit, Singh offered prayers and performed the traditional ‘Jalabhishek’ at the adjoining Mahadev temple. Following custom, he tied a sacred cloth to a khejri tree near the Manasa Mata shrine, a ritual believed to fulfil devotees’ wishes. He also viewed unexploded bombs preserved on the temple premises, remnants of Pakistani attacks during the 1965 war, standing as enduring symbols of divine protection and bravery.

The temple, located close to the Longewala post, one of the most strategic points along the Indo-Pak border, stands as a symbol of faith and resilience. Longewala gained legendary status during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when a small contingent of Indian soldiers held off a large-scale Pakistani armored assault, a battle later immortalized in the Hindi film Border . The temple and surrounding areas have since been seen as enduring reminders of courage, devotion, and national pride.

During the visit, Singh also reviewed the Indian Army's 'Thar Shakti' exercise near the Longewala border post. Hundreds of soldiers showcased advanced combat skills and integrated warfare capabilities in the desert terrain, using modern platforms including robotic mules, drones, robot dogs, Ator N1200 vehicles, tanks, and helicopters. Singh interacted with troops and senior officers during the exercise, lauding their courage, professionalism, and operational preparedness in desert warfare. He paid tributes to soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 war at the Laungewala War Memorial, emphasizing the strategic and patriotic importance of the region.

Later, Singh visited the Longewala border post, interacting with Indian armed forces personnel. The jawans greeted him with patriotic fervour, raising slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, reflecting their dedication to national security and the sacrifices of those who defended the border.

“Visiting the Tanot Mata temple and meeting our brave soldiers at Longewala is a matter of great pride. Being here near the border and recalling the courage of our forces fills me with humility and gratitude,” Singh said, highlighting the spiritual, historical, and patriotic essence of the visit.