Bhangarh Fort – A shadow of Haunted Place

May 6, 2014

Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur

Rajasthan, the unbeatable land of kings, has been remarked with a lot of marvellous forts. But along with it something which adds a fascinating but haunted place Bhangarh, Asia’s most haunted place and among the top 5 haunted places in the world.

Bhangarh is a place between Jaipur and Alwar around 48 miles from Jaipur. Today Bhangarh fort is known for its ruins where nobody dares to go after dark.
What remains though, is a shadow of a once beautiful kingdom. Although it might be renowned for its haunted and spooky presence but it can be visited because of its some alluring features.

The fort of Bhangarh is amusingly said to be haunted, as it is surrounded by Jungle. Its a ruined fort situated on some height. There is a large open space / garden which attracts kids but to see the fort closely, you will have to do some steep climbing. The view from top is very good. On entrance, you will see the old used to be shops of the inhabitants along with few temples including Hanuman temple at the entrance. The road to this place is pathetic.
People say, they hear different voices in night.
Bahangarh is a must visit place. Avoid taking small kids.

History of Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh was built in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, younger brother of Man Singh (a general of Emperor Akbar’s army) having population over 10,000. Now, not a soul lives in the ruined city. The next ruler of Bhangarh was his son, Chhatr Singh. Nearby Ajabgarh was founded by Ajab Singh, the son of Chhatr Singh. When Mughal Empire became weaker after the death of Aurangzeb, Jai Singh II attached Bhangarh to his state by force in 1720.
After this Bhangarh degraded in population, and when the famine of 1783 fell on the land, the town was abandoned and has remained a ruin ever since.

Myth behind Bhangarh Fort:

The villagers had a common conclusion that nobody returns back who stay there after the dark.
A myth attached with this is that the city of Bhangarh was built by King Madho Singh after getting an approval from ascetic, Guru Balu Nath, who meditated there. Guru Balu Nath sanctioned the establishment of the town but said : “The moment the shadow of your palace touches me you are undone. The city shall be no more!”
But one of the ambitious descendant raised the palace to such a height that it cast a shadow on Balu Nath’s forbidden retreat and his prophecy became true as predicted and the whole town was devastated. The tomb where Guru Balu Nath is said to lie is still there. Local villagers say that whenever a house is built there its roof collapses.

Another myth attached with the place is the legend of the Princess of Bhangarh, Ratnavati. She was a woman of raving beauty. In the same area lived a tantrik (a magician well versed in the black magic), called Singhia who was completely infatuated by her but knew that she will never agree. One day Singhia saw the princess’s maid in the market. So he thought of hypnotize the princess by using his powers on the oil that the maid was purchasing so that upon touching it, the princess would forget everything and surrender herself to him. The princess who had however seen the tantrik enchanting the oil, foiled his plan by pouring it on the ground. As the oil struck the ground it turned into a boulder, which crushed Singhia. Before dying, Singhia cursed the palace with the death of all who dwelt in it, without any rebirth in their destinies. The very next year, the whole city was destroyed in the Bhangarh-Ajabgarh wars.

Also Read : JAIPUR – Tourist Places In Jaipur and Cultural Heritage

Keep in mind facts:

A signboard posted 1 Km away from the fort by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) reads out as :

Important warning:

Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.
Shepherds and woodcutters who will enter Bhangarh area will face strict legal action.
The Kewda or Pandanus trees found in Bhangarh area belong to the ASI. It is forbidden to subject this tree to any kind of harm.

Note: Anyone defying the rules mentioned above will face legal action.

By order:
Incharge, Archaeological Survey Board

According to the legends, there are ghosts dwelling in Bhangarh fort and that is why entry is prohibited for tourists in the fort after sunset and before sunrise. The locals believe that Princess Ratnavati has taken birth somewhere else and that the fort and the empire of Bhangarh is waiting for her return and put an end to the curse. Few years ago, the crew members of production team of a haunted T.V. Serial which is televised on national television visited the place of Bhangarh after searching for an ideal location for shooting the haunted story. Even they witnessed some paranormal activities happening there.

May be these are said rumours still be safe and while visiting the place.

Also Read : Adventure Activities In Jaipur And Nearby Places