Asking Minds

Bhangarh Fort is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It is a 17th-century fort, infamous for being the “Most haunted place in India’’. But why is it haunted? What is the truth behind the mystery of Bhangarh fort?

Most of the historical monuments in India are protected by Archaeological Survey of India and so is Bhangarh. At the entrance of the fort, there is a signboard put up by ASI which mentions that no one is allowed to enter the fort before sunrise and after sunset.

Many people said that the Bhangarh fort is spooky and there are two mythical stories behind it but Is it true that the actual reason behind “No entry after Sunset” in Bhangarh fort is because of the Ghost appearances or is it just a made-up story and there is another true and logical reason behind it. So, let’s find out.

There are two stories that got all ears. There are so many versions of a single story and still no proof if the stories are true but you can entertain yourself reading a thriller may be.

• Bhangarh city was built by King Madho Singh after obtaining due permission from an ascetic Guru Balu Nath who used to meditate at this place. He agreed but on one condition that the shadow of emperor’s palace would never touch him at his prohibited retreat. The day when the shadow will touch his place, the city would turn into ruins. The emperor started the construction of the fort and finally one of the ambitious successors of Madho Singh added to the fortifications vertically, thereby causing its ominous shadow to engulf the abode of the ascetic. As per mystic power of Saint, the entire town was destroyed and ever since every construction was collapsed. The tomb of Guru Balu Nath is still there where he was buried.

• Princess Ratnavati of Bhanagarh was famed for her imperial beauty all over her own kingdom and the neighbouring states. She was considered to be the jewel of Rajasthan. In the area lived an Occultist (tantrik) called Singhia, who was in love with the princess but knew that the match was impossible. One day, Singhia saw the princess in the market and thought to use black magic on the oil that the Princess was purchasing so that after touching the oil, the princess would surrender herself to the magician. However, the princess saw the Sanghia Tantrik when he was enchanting the oil. So, the princess poured the oil on to the ground which turned into a rock and rolled towards the magician and crushed him ( Singhia ). Before the magician breathed his last, he cursed that no one would have any roof over their heads ever. That is why there have been instances that there is no roof to any houses or shops there and even if they are constructed they fall down during the night.

However, some local (folk) stories tell that the princess has taken a rebirth somewhere else and the Bhangarh fort is waiting for her to return and end the sadistic curse.

Even if there is a little truth in these stories, how does it prove that the fort is haunted? Let’s know the actual reason behind the signboard by ASI.

• My first take will be on the ASI board which mentions about not entering the fort after sunset. If you think of it, All the monuments protected by ASI are not allowed to enter after sunset. In case of Bhangarh or other monuments surrounded by lush green forests, where no doubt exists wild animals and we all know how dangerous wild animals can be. The government of India put up this Signboard just for the sake of we people. There is no mention of ghosts on the signboard.

• Now talking about the ruined fort which no doubt gives it a spooky look. A feeling of melancholy descends when you see the empty rows of houses, temples, market & fort and reflect on how a place, once bustling with activity, song & dance, lies so desolate now. Bhangarh may look scary because of its ruined structures which give very eerie feeling and adds a negative aura to it but the guard, as well as vendors and locals, disagree about the ghostly appearance. Some say Bhangarh was ruined while the battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh while some believe that Bhangarh Fort was invaded by the Mughals from the north and the city was surrounded and sacked.

So why do people think that it is haunted? Did someone just made-up this story to bring Bhangarh fort into the limelight because no one used to visit Bhangarh fort as it is just a ruined structure but from last 6-7 years after the news came out about Bhangarh being haunted, the tourist counts increased and the Popularity of Bhangrah Fort is increasing with every passing day.

All the monuments protected by ASI states “No entry after Sunset” but if we talk about particularly Bhangarh fort, it is located at the border of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, hence it is restricted to enter the fort after sunset because of wild animals like Panthers and Leopards roaming around. Many locals and tourists have encountered wild animals. There is no such claimed truth about paranormal activities being experienced by anyone.

In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story. – Walter Cronkite