India is home to numerous ancient forts, mysterious ruins, and timeless legends. The Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan stands apart from all of them. It is for its chilling reputation, but not for its historical significance.
Built in the 17th century and often nicknamed India’s most haunted place, the Bhangarh Fort has been attracting historians, paranormal enthusiasts, travellers, and curious minds for several decades.
The Bhangarh Fort lies between the cities of Alwar and Jaipur. It is 50 km away from the Sariska Sanctuary, 90 km from Jaipur, and around 250 km from Delhi. It is an abandoned fort and features royal tragedies, haunting stories, and unexplained incidents.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visiting the Bhangarh Fort leaves a long-lasting impression on each traveller. In this blog post, learn about:
- The Historical Significance of the Bhangarh Fort
- Curse of Bhangarh – Ghost Stories
- The Reality of the Bhangarh Fort – Why It Is Famous
- Architectural Highlights of the Bhangarh Fort
- Scientific Explanation – Is the Bhangarh Fort Truly Haunted?
- Travel Tips for A Better and Safer Experience
The Historical Significance of the Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh was a good town before it became known for ghost stories. Raja Bhagwan Das established it in 1573 for his younger son, Madho Singh. The Bhangarh Fort was a glorious symbol of Rajput power. Madho Singh was the brother of Raja Man Singh I, who was one of the Navratnas (Nine Gems) in Mughal Samrat Akbar’s court.
Bhangarh was a vibrant city for decades. Around 10,000 people lived there. The Bhangarh Fort had grand havelis, lush green gardens, and busy marketplaces. From an architectural standpoint, this fort is a masterpiece. Its design includes 3 fortification layers and five big gates:
- Lahori Gate
- Ajmeri Gate
- Phulbari Gate
- Delhi Gate
- Main Gate
Instead of being haunted, the site of Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is protected. Its expansive courtyards and intricate carvings offer a glimpse of Rajput-Mughal architectural style and lifestyle.
Curse of Bhangarh – Ghost Stories
History states that invasion or famine made people abandon this city in the late 18th century. However, locals state something quite different. There are several legends or ghost stories associated with the fort. Two stories are more popular and make this fort India’s most haunted place. Here, learn about these two ghost stories.
Guru Balu Nath
The first legend or ghost story belongs to a sadhu/saint – Baba Balu Nath (Guru Balau Nath). Before the construction of the Bhangarh Fort, the site was a meditating spot. Baba Balau Nath meditated there.
Madho Singh decided to construct a fort in Bhangarh at the same site. He asked the saint for permission and started building the fort. While giving his permission, Baba Balau Nath stated that the height of the fort would not be taller than his house. If the shadow of the fort or its structure fell on his house, it would destroy the fort.
Madho Singh kept Baba Balau Nath’s promise. However, his grandson, Ajab Singh, ignored the promise and gradually raised the fort’s height. It resulted in a shadow falling on the saint’s house. Gradually, it led to the destruction of the Bhangarh Fort.
Locals call it Baba Balu Nath’s curse. According to them, the houses of people at that time remained roofless for years. The house collapsed whenever someone tried to put a roof on it. Gradually, people around the fort moved farther away.
Princess Ratnavati
Another popular legend relates to Princess Ratnavati. She was famous for her extraordinary beauty. A local black magician, Singhia, fell in love with Princess Ratnavati. He knew that a princess would never marry an ordinary person like him. However, he tried to get closer to her by using his black magic.
One day, Singhia gave an enchanted bottle of a love potion to Ratnavati’s maid when she was out in the market to buy scented oil. The princess sensed the deception. She threw the bottle against a robust structure.
Under the black magic spell’s influence, the structure rolled down toward Singhia, leading to his death. Before taking his last breath, he cursed the fort and stated that its inhabitants would die and face eternal unrest.
The Reality of the Bhangarh Fort – Why It Is Famous
The Bhangarh Fort is famous for its supernatural claims. According to the Government of India, the site is semi-validated. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) placed a yellow signboard at the entrance of this fort, which states:
It is strictly prohibited to enter the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset. Legal action would be taken against those who do not follow these instructions.
Reported Incidents
Paranormal investigators and visitors often report:
- The Sound of Revelry – Numerous investigators have noticed the tinkling of bangles and the echoes of music coming from the Dancers’ Palace (Nartakiyon Ki Haveli).
- Invisible Eyes – While being in the Royal Palace ruins, travellers and investigators notice a sensation of being watched or a heavy feeling in their chests.
- The Scent of History – The area with no flowers suddenly gets filled with the scent of old perfume or jasmine.
Architectural Highlights of the Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh is an ideal place for history enthusiasts and photographers, particularly if you can look beyond its ghostly reputation. Here are the Bhangarh Fort’s architectural highlights with their brief descriptions:
- Temples – The fort has three temples that are dedicated to Someshwar, Gopinath, and Hanuman. These temples are the only ancient structures with intact roofs. According to local beliefs, these temples are safe zones due to their divine nature.
- Johari Bazaar – It is a long stone walkway lined with the ruins of shops. The shops sold silk and jewellery before the abandonment of the fort.
- The Royal Palace – The palace is situated at the furthest end of the Bhangarh Fort. This multi-story ruin offers a stunning view of the entire Aravalli hills and the valley.
Scientific Explanation – Is the Bhangarh Fort Truly Haunted?
Legends or ghost stories are captivating. However, sceptics and scientists offer theories that make people have a haunted feeling. The grounded scientific theories are as follows:
- Wildlife – The Bhangarh Fort lies near the Sariska Sanctuary, which is home to many wild animals and birds. People mistakenly take the sounds of animals, such as hyenas and monkeys, for paranormal activity.
- Acoustic Anomalies – The fort lies in the deep valley. Wind blowing through this fort can create echoes that sound like human voices or whispers.
- Psychological Priming – While exploring the fort ruins, travellers or visitors expect to be scared. As a result, their brains interpret normal sensations, like a sudden shadow or breeze, as supernatural.
Travel Tips for A Better and Safer Experience
You need to be very careful during your visit to the Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan. Before planning your trip, keep the following points/travel tips in mind for a better and safer experience:
- Time – The main gates of this fort usually open at 6 am and close at 6 pm. This timing varies from season to season. The ideal time to enter and exit this ancient fort ruin is after sunrise and before sunset respectively. Security guards in and around the fort are strict enough and make the premises clear before dusk.
- Best Time to Visit – The best time to visit the Bhangarh Fort is from October to March. This fort ruin area is hot and unforgettable from April to August/September.
- Bhangarh Fort Location – This ancient and infamous fort is 90 km away from Jaipur and around 250 km from the national capital city of India (Delhi). A private taxi from Jaipur or nearby locations offers easy access to the fort.
- Be Prepared – There are no shops or staples selling water bottles and food in or around the fort complex. Carry enough food, snacks, and water with you.
Conclusion
The Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is infamous as a haunted place. However, it has been a tourist attraction due to its associated ghost stories, historical significance, architectural design, and the ASI signboard.
If you are eager to experience this fort yourself, we at Cholan Tours are always ready to serve you. On your request, we can offer a personalised Rajasthan tour package that includes Bhangarh Fort in the itinerary. Visit our official website or contact us via email, chat, or phone to book a custom package for your Rajasthan trip.
FAQs
Is the Bhangarh Fort truly haunted?
It is hard to say whether the Bhangarh Fort is haunted if we set aside local beliefs. Investigators have stated that proximity to the Sriska Sanctuary, psychological priming, and the fort’s location in the valley make it appear haunted.
Has anyone ever stayed inside the fort at night?
According to urban legends, people who stayed inside the fort at night disappeared. However, there are no verified police reports in this regard. People who entered the fort with anxiety or stress have reported hearing banging sounds in the premises.
Can I explore the Bhangarh Fort with my children?
Yes, you can do it during the day. The haunting is more about the atmosphere. You just need to ensure that your children do not climb on the ruins without you. Before climbing on such ones, ensure they are stable.
Why are the nearby village houses roofless?
Locals state that Baba Balau Nath’s curse made the roofs of the nearby village houses collapse. But scientifically and historically, it is due to the stone type or architectural style of that era.
How much time is required to explore the Bhangarh Fort?
You can explore the entire complex in 5 to 6 hours. The places to explore include Johari Bazaar, temples, the Royal Palace ruins, and the tops.
Who can visit the Bhangarh Fort?
As per ASI rules, any Indian or foreign tourist can visit the complex from sunrise to sunset. Travellers must exit the complex before dusk.
