Rajasthan, a royal state of India, is home to numerous architectural marvels that embody the rich Indian culture. Forts, associated with mysteries and historical legends, are one of the greatest captivating aspects of our royal state.
Today, in this blog, I want to draw your attention to one of India’s mysterious forts, Bhangarh Fort. We can also call it one of the spookiest forts in our country. Horror connotations have been linked with this fort, and local legends about it are famous worldwide. The spooky aura and events surrounding this place have marked it as a tourist attraction. This place is not for the faint-hearted, so if you are interested in horror legends, then this is for you.
Location
Recognized as the most infamous haunted location in the nation, the Bhangarh Fort is situated within the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Precisely located on the fringes of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the surrounding village is notably remote. What truly piques curiosity about the Bhangarh Fort are the multitude of mythical and paranormal tales associated with it, some perhaps witnessed by a few, while others may have been fabricated.
The approach to Bhangarh Fort is eerie, largely influenced by the myriad stories one has heard. The path leading to the fort is lined with once-beautiful havelis, now reduced to ruins.
History
Bhangarh popularly known as the Most Haunted Place in India, has an intriguing history. In reality, it was once a thriving town of ancient times. Built in the 17th century by Madho Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s nine courtiers, for his son Man Singh I, Bhangarh Fort was a magnificent structure symbolizing beauty and power. It is said that over 10,000 people inhabited Bhangarh before it was supposedly abandoned overnight, creating an eerie aura. Now, standing in ruins, this grand edifice, and the surrounding town, have fallen into disrepair, thanks to the haunting Bhangarh Story that sealed their unfortunate fate.
Mysteries of Bhangarh Fort
Whether you believe in witchcraft prophecies or not, there’s a spooky story behind the fall of this fort. According to legend, the land where Bhangarh Fort stands was once the home of an ascetic named Guru Balu Nath. When Madho Singh, the king, sought permission to build a fort on this land, the ascetic granted it with a condition: the fort’s shadow must not fall on his house, or great tragedy would unfold. However, the successors of Madho Singh ignored the warning and built higher walls, casting shadows on the ascetic’s home. In return, his curse engulfed the entire Bhangarh Fort.
If you find this story chilling, wait until you hear the next one.
This story revolves around a princess of Bhangarh named Ratnavati, who was exceptionally beautiful. Her beauty was so enchanting that every man desired her, including a necromancer who fell in love with her. In an attempt to win her over, he cast a spell of black magic on the oil meant for the princess’s massage. However, Ratnavati discovered his treachery and poured the magic-laden oil onto a massive boulder nearby. This set off a countdown of doom for Bhangarh Fort and the entire town. The black magic caused the boulder to crush the tantric to his death. Before dying, he cursed the town of Bhangarh, condemning it to slowly succumb to desolation, just like him.
Proving his ominous last words true, the following year, the ruler of Bhangarh faced a disastrous defeat at the hands of an enemy. His entire army was annihilated, and the town’s inhabitants were brutally massacred. While the fate of the princess remains a mystery, it is said that she is condemned to wander within the confines of Bhangarh, trapped in a limbo. People claim to still hear the voices of those lost souls in Bhangarh Fort at night, doomed to linger in this realm, never to leave the cold, haunting environment, filled with hopelessness and restlessness.
Warning Signs
Visitors are cautioned throughout the fort that they cannot stay inside the fort after 6 pm and cannot enter before 6 am due to security reasons, as banners from the Archaeological Survey of India make clear. Therefore, it’s essential for tourists to leave the area before dusk.
Entry into Bhangarh Fort is prohibited for foreigners.
Unusually, Bhangarh Ka Kila may be the only tourist destination in India where entry for foreign tourists is not freely permitted. They must obtain a special permit to enter the premises and Bhangarh Fort. This restriction is not only due to the Bhangarh Fort story but also because a significant number of tourists, including foreigners, got lost in the region, leading to government officials taking strict measures.
Roofless Houses
One fascinating element that caught my attention during my first visit was the fact that all the houses in Bhangarh are roofless. When I asked the locals, they mentioned that the sage who cursed the fort also decreed that no one could construct roofs over the houses. Whenever someone attempted to do so, the roofs collapsed, rendering the houses fragile. It sent chills down my spine, but the story doesn’t end there.
When I inquired if anyone had dared to stay there after 6 pm, the locals told me of three daredevils who attempted it. Unfortunately, one of them fell into a steep well, and while his friends were rescuing him and taking him to the hospital, they all met with a fatal road accident. It seemed like their fate was predestined. Therefore, if you’re a modern person with a unique perspective, it’s essential to reconsider your opinions considering the associated risks.
Another story shared by the locals involves the sighting of a local boy who glimpsed what appeared to be the apparition of a boy in a house without a door but with a grilled window.
What Happens After 6 PM?
According to the locals, some have attempted to remain within the fort after 6 pm, but they haven’t returned to tell their stories. Therefore, we don’t know precisely what happens after 6 pm. The Archaeological Survey of India has posted warning signs, and people claim to hear strange noises from inside the fort. It is said that spirits roam the premises of the fort during the darkest hours.
Architectural Marvels
While most people associate the fort with ghostly and eerie stories, the intrinsic architectural carvings are worthy of praise. It may be famed for supernatural phenomena and sightings, but it is also home to numerous stunning architectural marvels. For the better part of the day, Bhangarh Fort and its surroundings offer a tourist destination that rivals the best.
The fort, which evokes memories of Shahjahanabad in Old Delhi, is distinguished by four massive wooden doors, one in each direction. The Johari Bazaar, exquisite temples, the imposing fort, and Dancer’s Haveli are remnants of a glorious past that are truly worth witnessing.
Moreover, the fort boasts numerous temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and others, adding a spiritual essence to the fort. Many have tried to explain its mysteries, but the results have been elusive.
How to reach?
Bhangarh Fort is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. To reach Bhangarh Fort:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from Bhangarh Fort.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Alwar, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Alwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bhangarh.
By Road: Bhangarh is accessible by road from Jaipur, Alwar, and nearby cities. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhangarh Fort.
Please note that Bhangarh Fort is a popular tourist destination, so it’s a good idea to check the current conditions and any specific travel restrictions or guidelines before planning your visit.
Where to stay
There are hotels in Alwar district. You can book them according to your budget and preferences
Special tips
No Nominal Fee
1)There is no fee to enter Bhangarh Fort; entry is entirely free of cost.
Respect the Warnings
2) Visiting hours are strictly fixed, so do not attempt to stay there after 6 pm. Disregarding this rule may lead to unfavourable consequences.
3)The fort is home to multiple ghost stories; therefore, if you are faint-hearted, this destination may not be suitable for you. Final thoughts
Bhangarh is a place that is fascinating in its own unique way. It’s one of the haunted places in the world that intrigues us with its ghostly and spooky vibes, yet it also enchants us with its architectural beauty.
This destination offers extraordinary and exquisite vibes that can only be truly felt in person. The haunted associations with it make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. When I visited the place, I contemplated staying there after 6 pm, but I must admit that I didn’t have the courage to do so. Nonetheless, the beauty and atmosphere of the fort entwined my soul. It’s a fort that you should definitely experience, but always remember to respect the warnings and enjoy it within the limits of your comfort.
