'Bamo Wali Devi' mandir in Jaisalmer sees a record turnout of devotees. Check why Tanot Mata temple so famous

More than 20,000 devotees visited Rajasthan’s Tanot Mata Temple on the opening day of Navratri, renewing the spotlight on the shrine near the India-Pakistan border that has long been revered by soldiers and civilians for its association with unexploded bombs during the 1965 and 1971 wars. The 10-day fair began with traditional rituals, while the Border Security Force (BSF) strengthened arrangements for pilgrims visiting the temple in Jaisalmer district.

Situated in Tanot village, around 120 km from Jaisalmer, the temple is popularly known as Bamo Wali Devi, or the ‘Goddess of Bombs’. Its reputation is rooted in popular accounts that bombs fired by Pakistani forces during the two wars fell in the temple area but did not explode within its premises. These accounts have contributed to the shrine’s significance among local residents and security personnel stationed along the western frontier.

The temple’s association with wartime events has sustained its place in the faith of border personnel over the decades. Devotees have also attributed the reported failure of drones that crossed into Indian territory from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor to the deity’s blessings, reflecting the religious beliefs surrounding the shrine.

Tanot Mata Temple: Navratri fair begins with traditional rituals

The 10-day Navratri fair opened with the Ghatasthapana ceremony, during which the sacred Kalash was installed amid drumbeats and traditional rituals. A procession was taken out to the temple, followed by a havan and yajna on the premises. BSF officers and personnel took part in the ceremonies and offered oblations.

The opening-day event was attended by Linzkai Sitalu, Commandant of the BSF’s 26th Battalion; Second-in-Command Madan Goyal; Deepankar Sharma; Deputy Commandants Anmol Bhagat and Sushil Kumar; and other BSF personnel.

Three aartis were performed on the first day, with the same schedule set to continue throughout Navratri. A community kitchen is also providing prasad to devotees from morning until evening.

Why Tanot Mata Temple is revered as the ‘Goddess of Bombs’

The shrine’s reputation is closely connected to accounts of the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, when hundreds of bombs allegedly fell in the temple area without exploding within its premises. The stories strengthened the faith of residents and security personnel, and Army and BSF personnel developed a special reverence for the shrine after the 1965 war, contributing to its development.

Over time, Tanot Mata Temple became a symbol of faith for troops serving in the border region. The combination of its religious significance and wartime associations continues to draw pilgrims from different parts of the country.

BSF makes arrangements for Navratri devotees

With the temple located in a sensitive border area and large crowds expected during the festival, the BSF has expanded arrangements for darshan, food, medical assistance and other essential services.

Under the guidance of the Inspector General of the BSF Rajasthan Frontier and the direction of Jitendra Singh Binji, Deputy Inspector General of the BSF’s North Sector, the 26th Battalion has coordinated facilities for pilgrims. A medical camp has been set up, while police personnel are assisting BSF troops with crowd and visitor management.

The temple has been decorated and illuminated for the festival. An LCD screen has also been installed outside the premises so that devotees can watch the deity’s darshan and aarti when crowds make it difficult to enter the temple.

BSF personnel help manage the shrine, including its upkeep and arrangements for visitors, and also serve as priests. Temporary shops have been established around the temple to cater to pilgrims. Officials said the shrine’s popularity was evident in the number of devotees travelling to it on foot.

Ghatasthapana was also performed at Ghantiyali Mata Temple, where devotees participated in havan rituals. Arrangements at religious sites across the region are being strengthened to accommodate the increase in visitors during Navratri.