Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer

Nestled in the quaint village of Tanot in Jaisalmer, Tanot Mata temple is a blend of legends, miracles, and religion.  This temple is bound with the faith and utmost devotion of local people.  According to the oldest Charan literature, this revered temple is an incarnation of Goddess Hinglaj Mata.  This heritage site is a major attraction for tourists who visit the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.  This miraculous temple is located close to Longewala, the battle site of the intense Indo-Pak War of 1965 and 1971. The Jawans present near the temple have a lot of incredible stories to share with the visitors. This is perhaps the best way to learn about one of the many legends of the temple.  The BSF has also established a museum near the temple that tells the glory of this temple associated with the Indian Army.  Another reason to visit this old temple is the incredulous road which connects it with Jaisalmer.  According to the visitors, the route is brimming with the vistas brimming with beautiful landscapes. You will witness beautiful landscapes that are dotted with yellow sand dunes, camels, goats, camps, and local people in colorful Rajasthani clothes, dhabas serving delectable food, and spectacular wind mills.  Once you reach the temple, you will be mesmerized with the divinity and purity of the temple. There is a unique aura surrounding its premises, which often turns the non-believer of the divine power into a devotee.  There have been a lot of anecdotes where people visited this place as tourists but the uniqueness of this temple left them mesmerized. There have been many instances of divine intervention in and around this temple as well. No wonder many people re-visit this temple quite often.  History of Tanot Mata Temple -  This highly revered temple was established in 847 AD. The idol of the deity was installed in the same time period as well. The construction of this temple started after Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao made Tanot as the capital of his kingdom.  Later, it was maintained by RAC before BSF took over the temple’s responsibility, in 1965. There are a lot of unique stories related to this temple. However, the most talked-about legend of the temple is the occurring of a miraculous event during the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965.  According to this anecdote, Pakistan dropped more than 3,000 bombs on the temple to destroy it, along with the Indian Army. While the Pakistani Army was at it, none of the 3,000 bombs could touch the temple or the Indian soldiers! The same happened in the War of 1971 when only one coy of BSF repulsed the sudden attack from Pakistan Army. 

The Jaisalmer War Museum, popularly known as JWM is a memorable establishment dedicated to the war heroes of our nation. The Museum was ideated under Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews and developed by the Indian Army's Dessert Corps. It is a memorial to exhibit the immense strength and richness of Indian soldiers, their glorious contributions and brave sacrifices in times of war. Jaisalmer specifically was chosen for the development of the museum as it is among the few places that suffered a long stretch of wars and battles including the Battle of Longewala in 1971. The museum holds a number of collections from the wars and was corroborated and opened for people in the year 2015, the golden jubilee of India-Pakistan War. The museum includes equipment, armor, vehicles and more. The Jaisalmer Museum has also dedicated a prestigious wall for all Param Vir and Maha Vir Chakra holders. It is also segregated into an Audio Visual room, Indian Army Hall and the Laungewale Hall. A souvenir shop and cafe are yet another part of the Museum. Major exhibits at the museum include a Hunter Aircraft that contributed tremendously to destroying the enemy tank in the battle of Longewala. There are also displays of Indian Armies strategies during the India Pakistan War in 1971 in the museum. History of Jaisalmer War MuseumIt was Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews who conceived the idea of creating a Museum as a tribute for the war heroes of the Longewala Battle in 1971. The notion was furnished into what we know now as the Jaisalmer War Museum by the Indian military's Desert Corps. The museum was constructed particularly in Jaisalmer's desert land because of the fact that it is one of the most war-affected regions of India. Apart from the Battle of Longewala, the army civilization and culture in this area is quite extravagant and hence, Jaisalmer certainly deserved an honor like this. Although the museum was created and furnished under Lieutenant General Bobby Matheus, it was Lieutenant General Ashok Singh who finally opened the gates of the museum for the general population of the country and beyond. The museum holds a number of equipment, weapons, vehicles among other displays that truly exhibit the glory of India's greatest war heroes.Exhibit at the MuseumThere are a number of exhibits and displays at the Jaisalmer War Museum that clearly allow the visitors to encapsulate the distinctions of our war heroes. One of the major attractions of the place is the display of the Hunger aircraft that was successfully able to take down enemy tanks in the war against Pakistan. The two display rooms Laungewale Hall and Military hall showcase images of various skills and tactics used by the great militants to win over a number of battles. The Audiovisual room also dictates a number of stories about India's war heroes and their esteem contributions. Fighter jets, guns, various weapons and equipment used by the military are also a part of the display at the museum.

Salim Singh ki haveli is one of the most beautiful edifices situated in the heart of the Jaisalmer city. It happens to be one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It was renovated in the 19th century and was commissioned by Salim Singh who was the prime minister of that time. The haveli is also popularly known as Jahaz Mahal as the front facet of the monument has close resemblance with a ship stern.The Salim Singh haveli is known for its architectural marvel and elegance. The haveli is almost 300 years old, however, the architecture is still enough to mesmerize the tourists. You will find the roof beautifully arched in the shape of a peacock. The haveli has 38 balconies designed with pale blue cupolas and each of the balconies have got their distinct shape. When you enter the Haveli, you will be welcomed by two elephants which are carved out of stones and the walls covered with countless imperial paintings. There is one more Mahal inside the Haveli, which is known as Moti Maghal. You will surely be amazed by the glamour of the Mahal. It was once upon a time a place for aristocratic and royal courtiers. It is one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer. You must plan a day to tour in and around the place in your travel itinerary. Let us get to know more about the haveli and its legacy.