Urban Legends

The Bhangarh Fort

Origin: India

The Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, is often regarded as one of the most haunted places in the country, shrouded in myths and urban legends that have fascinated and terrified people for centuries. Built in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, the fort is located near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravalli hills and has since fallen into ruins. However, its eerie reputation remains intact due to numerous tales of curses, ghosts, and mysterious events.

There are two primary legends associated with the haunting of Bhangarh Fort, both involving themes of love, jealousy, and dark magic.

The most popular legend centers around a tantrik (sorcerer) named Singhia, who was well-versed in black magic and lived in the nearby area. Singhia fell in love with Princess Ratnavati, the beautiful daughter of the ruler of Bhangarh. According to legend, Princess Ratnavati was known for her beauty, and many suitors sought her hand in marriage.

Singhia, knowing that the princess was beyond his reach, decided to use his magical powers to win her love. One day, he saw the princess's maid purchasing scented oil for her from the market. He used a spell to enchant the oil so that when the princess applied it, she would fall madly in love with him.

However, Princess Ratnavati saw through his plan. Instead of using the oil, she threw it onto a large boulder nearby. The boulder, enchanted by the spell, was suddenly drawn toward Singhia and crushed him to death. Before he died, Singhia cursed the entire city of Bhangarh, declaring that no one would ever live there in peace and that the town would be destroyed.

Soon after his death, Bhangarh was attacked by neighboring kingdoms, leading to its destruction. The curse was believed to have taken full effect when Princess Ratnavati died in the battle. Ever since, the fort and the surrounding area have been said to be haunted by spirits, particularly those of the soldiers and residents who were killed in the battle.

Another version of the legend attributes the fort's curse to a local ascetic (yogi or sage) named Guru Balu Nath. According to this legend, when the fort was being built, the king sought permission from the guru, who lived nearby, to construct the fort. The guru agreed but on one condition: the fort's shadow must never fall on his dwelling.

Initially, the king honored this condition. However, over time, as subsequent rulers expanded the fort and its surrounding structures, the fort's shadow eventually touched the guru's abode. Enraged by this violation of his warning, Guru Balu Nath cursed the fort, dooming it to remain in ruins forever. The legend claims that Bhangarh has remained abandoned and in disrepair ever since, with no one able to rebuild or inhabit the area without suffering a terrible fate.

The fort's reputation as a haunted site has been bolstered by numerous reports of paranormal activities. Locals and visitors alike have claimed to experience strange phenomena.

People have reported hearing whispers, footsteps, and strange voices at night, even though the area is largely deserted after dark. Several visitors have claimed to see ghostly figures, particularly that of a woman, believed to be Princess Ratnavati, wandering the fort. Some people have reported experiencing sudden illnesses, injuries, or accidents while visiting the fort, which they attribute to the lingering effects of the curse. Many visitors mention feeling an overwhelming sense of dread or sadness while exploring the fort, especially in certain areas like the royal palace and the temple ruins.

Because of these reports, locals avoid the area after sunset, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has even put up a sign outside the fort warning visitors not to stay after dark. This official caution has only fueled the fort's haunted reputation.

Though the fort is in ruins, it still attracts a large number of tourists and paranormal enthusiasts. The remnants of palaces, temples, and markets can still be seen within the fort complex, giving visitors a glimpse of what was once a thriving town. The fort is surrounded by a thick forest, adding to the isolated and eerie atmosphere of the place.

Despite its haunted reputation, the fort's architectural beauty and historical significance continue to draw visitors during the day. However, the legend of the curse keeps most people away at night, with many believing that those who remain after dark risk encountering the spirits or succumbing to the curse.

Skeptics, of course, dismiss the stories of curses and hauntings, attributing the strange occurrences to more mundane causes.

The sounds people hear might be due to the wind blowing through the old, crumbling structures or animals inhabiting the ruins.

The fort's reputation might create a self-fulfilling prophecy—those who visit the fort expecting to feel scared or encounter something paranormal may become more sensitive to their surroundings, interpreting natural sounds or sensations as supernatural events.

The destruction of Bhangarh was likely due to political and military conflicts during its time, rather than a curse. However, the tragic history of its downfall may have led to the creation of ghost stories as a way to explain the desolation and ruins.

The Bhangarh Fort remains one of India's most infamous haunted locations, with its legends of curses, black magic, and restless spirits continuing to captivate the imagination of locals and tourists alike. While some may dismiss the tales as mere folklore, others maintain that the ruins are still home to something mysterious and otherworldly. Whether one believes in the curse or not, Bhangarh Fort's eerie atmosphere, combined with its fascinating history, ensures its place as a prominent part of India's urban legend landscape.