Introduction
Bhangarh Fort, situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, is India’s most haunted destination. The fort’s spooky atmosphere, coupled with spine-chilling folklore and paranormal phenomena, has attracted the interest of historians, ghost hunters, and curious tourists alike. Encircled by the Aravalli hills, Bhangarh Fort remains the tragic tale of a defunct kingdom cursed by misfortune. But why is Bhangarh Fort so notorious? Why is it even regarded as India’s most haunted location? Let’s find out the history, myths, and paranormal events connected with this fascinating location.
History of Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort was constructed in the 16th century by Raja Bhagwant Das, a king of the Kachwaha dynasty, for his son Madho Singh I. The fort was once a thriving kingdom with grand palaces, temples, and crowded markets. But its glory did not last long as it was later abandoned for some unknown reasons.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put signs around the fort, strictly not allowing people to enter from sunset to sunrise. The curse and haunted status of the fort have only increased with each passing year, with many accounts of ghostly appearances and unexplained happenings.
The Legends of Bhangarh Fort
There are a few legends surrounding Bhangarh Fort, each contributing to its ghostly status. The two most popular stories related to the curse of the fort are:
1. The Black Magician’s Curse:
Popular lore has it that a Tantrik (black magician) called Singhia was smitten with Princess Ratnavati, the lovely daughter of Chatr Singh, the king of Bhangarh. Knowing that he could never wed her, Singhia chose to employ his expertise in black magic to get her to fall in love with him.
One day, when the princess’s maid went to buy fragrant oil from the market, Tantrik cast a spell on the oil in such a way that when applied, Ratnavati would become under his control. But the princess was aware of his deception and poured the oil over a big stone. As soon as the oil came in contact with the stone, the stone began to roll towards Singhia and killed him.
Prior to his death, the Tantrik cursed Bhangarh Fort, condemning it to destruction. Shortly after that, the kingdom was invaded, and the princess was killed while the fort fell. Locals ever since have believed that the ghost of the princess and that of the magician haunt the ruins of Bhangarh Fort.
2. The Curse of the Sadhu
Another legend suggests that an ascetic named Guru Balu Nath lived near the fort. When Raja Madho Singh sought his permission to build Bhangarh Fort, the sadhu agreed on one condition: the fort’s shadow should never fall on his dwelling.
The king, at first, followed this stipulation, but as the fort grew in size, a tall building overshadowed the sadhu’s dwelling. Angered, he put a curse on the kingdom, and it started declining rapidly, finally being abandoned. To date, locals still hold the view that anyone who remains in Bhangarh Fort after nightfall will never be seen again.
Paranormal Activities and Haunted Experiences
The legends of Bhangarh Fort’s haunting are not myths—numerous visitors and ghost hunters have reported experiencing strange phenomena. Some of the most frequently reported supernatural events include:
Unidentified Noises: Individuals have reported hearing whispering voices, weird music, and screams in the fort during nighttime. Ghostly Apparitions: Some explorers have reportedly seen dark figures roving the fort ruins.
Sudden Temperature Drops: Unusual cold spots are frequently experienced, even during Rajasthan’s scorching summers.
Mysterious Disappearances: There are accounts of people who ventured inside after sunset and never returned.
Feeling of Being Watched: Many have reported an overwhelming sensation of being followed or watched while exploring the fort. Following these spine-tingling events, the ASI has officially banned visiting the fort between sunset and sunrise.
Visiting Bhangarh Fort – What to See?
Bhangarh Fort, despite its spooky image, is an interesting destination to visit by day. These are some of the major attractions inside the fort:
1. The Main Fort Entrance (Ajmeri Gate): The enormous entrance to the fort provides the first impression of its old architecture. The gate rises high, testifying to centuries-old history.
2. The Temples of Bhangarh: Interestingly, the fort complex has a few temples, such as the Gopinath Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, and Keshav Rai Temple. The religious buildings are in good condition and give an impression of divine presence in the midst of the spooky surroundings of the fort.
3. The Marketplace (Dancers’ Haveli): The remains of the once-thriving marketplace called “Dancers’ Haveli” can still be seen. They say the bazaar was filled with traders and tourists before the curse caused it to be abandoned.
4. The Royal Palace: Situated at the other end of the fort, the Royal Palace was a majestic building where the kings and queens of Bhangarh stayed. Now, it lies in ruins, with nothing but its spooky silence left.
How to Reach Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort can be accessed easily from all the major cities of Rajasthan.
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (83 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Dausa Railway Station (22 km away)
By Road: Bhangarh Fort is easily accessible by road and can be accessed by taxi or personal vehicle from Jaipur, Alwar, or Delhi.
Best Time to Visit Bhangarh Fort
The scorching summer heat of Rajasthan can make exploration difficult. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours and avoid staying too late, as per ASI’s guidelines.
Is Bhangarh Fort Really Haunted?
The question is: is Bhangarh Fort really haunted, or are the myths just that? Although no scientific proof exists to support paranormal activity, the eerie atmosphere of the fort and the numerous eyewitness testimonies keep the mystery alive.
A few researchers believe that the fort’s design, with its enclosed rooms and reverberations, may produce illusions of voices and sounds. Others think that the psychological impact of its haunted image plays games in the minds of its visitors. The local villagers, however, are convinced that supernatural energies occupy the fort.
Conclusion
Bhangarh Fort is one of India’s most fascinating places, drawing thrill-seekers, historians, and believers too. Haunted or not, the fort’s intriguing history, breathtaking ruins, and spine-tingling legends make it a place to visit for those who dare to uncover its secrets.
If you are intrigued by haunted sites and old folklore, a trip to Bhangarh Fort will be an experience to remember. Just keep this in mind—go at your own risk and leave before evening, or else you may find yourself as the next page of its chilling lore!
