On the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in northern India, and just 146 miles from Delhi, is the Bhangarh fort. The fort, now in ruins, is considered by many to be the most haunted location in all of India.
Bhangarh was built by the Kachwaah ruler of Amber, King Bhagwant Singh, during the time of emperor Akbar I. The fort itself was built for the Kachwaah’s younger son, Madho Singh in 1573 A.D. (his older son, Man Singh I was Emperor Akbar’s general at that time). Today, though mostly in ruins, the fort still contains several structures that can be visited during daylight hours.
Once a display of great power and beauty, Bhangarh once boasted a population of more than 10,000, but was abandoned, seemingly overnight. Today, when you enter, you will notice that the main gate is in a general state of disrepair, though other gates are decently preserved. Beyond that, you will find several temples including a Hanuman temple, a Ganesh temple, and a Someshwar temple. Additionally there are marketplaces, public chambers, and mansions. Continuing further into the complex, you will find the royal palace.
With a home of such splendor, it makes you wonder why its residents deserted it. There are a couple of different beliefs, some believe one or the other, some believe both. No matter what you believe, something sinister caused the people to flee.
One legend claims that the land upon which Bhangarh Fort was built once belonged to a Hindu ascetic, or holy man, named Guru Balak Nath. The ascetic lived on the top of the hill where the fort was to be built, and in order to build the fort, the Kachwaah sought his permission. The ascetic agreed, with a single condition. The fort could never cast a shadow upon his home, lest the land be cursed and the town be destroyed. The deal was made and the fort was built.
This agreement was honored by Bhagwant Singh, by his son Madho Singh, and even their next descendent, Chatr Singh. Unfortunately, his successor, Ajab Singh, felt the fort needed to be built to an even greater height. He ordered columns built and the fort grew in height (by some reports it was built to be 7 storeys in height, 3 more than the original 4). It grew so much that it’s shadow fell on the ascetic’s home.
As he had promised, the land was cursed and a great famine forced the people to flee. The fort crumbled until only the original 4 storeys remained, the rest lay in ruin. Only one building survived, the home of the ascetic, complete with the roof over it. The house, which doubles as his tomb, is now called Tantrik ki Chhatri which translates to “Ascetic’s Roof.”
The second most commonly heard legend is that of the Princess and the Necromancer.
Chatr Singh had a daughter, Ratnavati. She was beautiful, so beautiful in fact that tales of her beauty spread far and wide. She received numerous marriage proposals, all of which she turned down. A local priest named Singhia had also fallen in love with Ratnavati.
Singhia was no normal priest. Instead of worshipping god, he looked to darker places, involving himself in satanic rituals and black magic. He was known by many to be a necromancer.
Singhia knew that if the princess had refused so many proposals so far, there was very little chance she would accept one from him. Instead of giving up though, he put his magic to work and cast a spell on a bottle of perfume, knowing Ratnavati to be quite fond of different fragrances. He gave her the bottle, but she sensed something wasn’t right. Instead of accepting his gift she threw the bottle against a stone, smashing it. The potion affected the stone in an unexpected manner, turning it into a great boulder which rolled onto Singhia, crushing him in the process.
Before Singhia died, he cursed Ratnavati and the whole of Bhangarh. The curse spread quickly. Chatr was defeated in battle between the forces of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh, which resulted in the death of not only the majority of the army, but the princess Ratnavati herself.
Buildings crumbled, roofs fell, and worse – the people died. Because of the curse, those who died within Bhangarh, could never be reborn and were doomed to remain within the fort. The people fled; those who didn’t and tried to rebuild, found it impossible, as the moment they built a roof it would collapse.
To this day, it is believed that ghosts wander the grounds, unable to move on to the after life. Those who wish to visit Bhangarh Fort will find themselves only allowed to do so during daylight hours, as entry is prohibited between sunset and sunrise. There is a sign posted, albeit in Hindi, that reads: “It is strictly prohibited to enter the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset. Legal action would be taken aginst those who do not follow these instructions.” It is believed that those who enter at dark will never leave.
While it is free to visit the fort, some prefer to book a tour. Tours are offered through a variety of companies, one of which can be found on Tripadvisor.
Now we must ask, have you heard of the Old Candler Hospital Morgue Tunnel?
