Uncovering The Mystery Behind Bhangarh Fort, A Haunted Place In Alwar, Rajasthan
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Sun, 16 Feb 2025 2:22:42
India is home to numerous sites believed to be haunted due to unfortunate past events. One such place is Bhangarh Fort, located in Alwar, Rajasthan. Shrouded in legends and superstitions, this eerie historical site has long intrigued visitors. Today, we delve into the mystery surrounding this ancient fortress, originally built by Raja Bhagwant Das.
A Glimpse into Bhangarh’s History
As an integral part of Rajasthan’s tourism, Bhangarh Fort attracts visitors eager to uncover its chilling past. Like many other places associated with tragic tales, Bhangarh, too, has its own haunting legend. Built in the 16th century during Raja Bhagwant Das's reign, the fort was a gift to his second son, Madho Singh.
Once a flourishing palace adorned with lush vegetation and magnificent architecture, the fort was an emblem of grandeur. It was said to have housed 10,000 people before it fell into ruin. Designed in a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, the fort featured palaces, temples, and courtyards, constructed using sandstone and marble with intricate carvings.
Legends Behind the Haunted Fort
Two eerie legends are often cited as the reasons for Bhangarh Fort’s haunting reputation:
The Tale of Princess Ratnavati
Princess Ratnavati, famed for her unparalleled beauty, had many suitors vying for her hand in marriage. However, among her admirers was a wizard skilled in black magic, who became obsessed with her. Determined to possess her, he devised a sinister plan.
One day, as the princess visited the market with her friends to buy attar (perfume), the wizard enchanted the perfume with a love potion. However, his trick failed when the princess uncovered his deception. In retaliation, she threw the enchanted perfume onto a boulder, which then rolled toward the wizard, crushing him to death. Before dying, he cursed the palace to be destroyed, ensuring that no human would ever inhabit its grounds again.
The Curse of Tantrik Guru Balu Nath
Another legend attributes Bhangarh’s eerie fate to Tantrik Guru Balu Nath, a hermit who meditated in a hut near the site. When the king sought permission to build a fort nearby, the sage agreed—but with one strict condition: the fort’s shadow must never fall on his hut.
Initially, the king abided by the agreement, but as the fort expanded, its shadow eventually covered the hermit’s dwelling. Enraged, the sage cursed the city, causing it to crumble into ruins.
Paranormal Warnings: What Do They Signify?
Situated 26.9 km from Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh Fort is infamous for its spine-chilling stories. While some dismiss these as myths, warning signs placed around the fort caution visitors about paranormal activities. Due to this, tourists are strictly prohibited from staying after sunset.
There have been mysterious disappearances and deaths, leading the government to ban foreign nationals from entering the site. Several cases have been reported where visitors lost their way or violated the rules, prompting these restrictions.
The Mystery of the Roofless Houses
One of Bhangarh’s most intriguing aspects is its roofless houses. Yes, you read that right—many houses in the vicinity lack roofs. According to local belief, this phenomenon is a direct result of the sage’s curse. It is said that whenever a roof is built, it collapses soon after, and in the past, people have even lost their lives due to these mysterious incidents.
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