Introduction
Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The nearest village is Gola ka Baas.
There are many local tales about the paranormal activities in the fort. It depends on whether he believes it or not. It is said that the spirits roam in Bhangarh Fort at night, and various strange noises are heard.
But what really happened here? Is it a place of spirits, or just another myth? Let’s uncover the dark secrets of Bhangarh Fort
The Mystery of Bhangarh Fort: What Really Happened Here?
History of Bhangarh Fort
- Location:- Bhangarh Fort is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, near the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
- Built in the 16th Century—It was built by Raja Bhagwant Das for his son, Madho Singh I.
- Architectural Style The fort follows a combination of Mughal and Rajputana architectural styles.
- Archaeological Significance—It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and does not permit entry after sunset.
- Ruined Settlement. The town outside the fort used to have temples, palaces, and markets but now remains deserted.
- Tourist Destination—Although it is renowned as one of the most haunted places in India, it attracts thousands of tourists annually.
What Really Happened at Bhangarh? The Untold Story of Its Curse
Bhangarh Fort’s two main stories involve a curse.
- The Saint’s Warning: The Curse That Destroyed Bhangarh.
- Who was Baba Balaknath? And why did he curse Bhangarh?
A powerful ascetic named Guru Balu Nath. According to folklore, Madho Singh sought the sage’s permission before constructing the fort. Balu Nath agreed on one condition: the fort’s shadow must never touch his abode.
Baba Balak Nath used to live within the fort, but he didn’t want any other houses to be taller than his own. He was so possessive about this that he said even if the shadow of any house fell on his house, the whole town would be destroyed.
The result was the destruction of the fort and surrounding towns.
Black Magic’ story
The story of Bhangarh fort is about princess Ratnavati and a sorcerer named Singhiya.
Who was Princess Ratnavati?
Ratnavati was the daughter of King Madho Singh I of Bhangarh. She was the princess of Bhangarh.
Ratnavati was extremely beautiful and believed to be the jewel of Rajasthan. When she turned 18, she began to get marriage proposals from other regions.
Who was the singhiya?
A black magician named Singhia lived near Bhangarh Fort.
They knew about Black magic. Singhia was a powerful tantric (a tantra practitioner) who fell in love with Princess Ratnavati.
Why did Tantrik Singhiya curse Bhangarh?
A Sorcerer’s Obsession
She was a very beautiful and wise princess. One day, Singhiya noticed Rani Ratnavati. And they were obsessed with her beauty.
One day
Singhia saw Ratnavati’s maid buying perfume in the market. Using his sorcery . He enchanted the perfume , ensuring that whoever applied it would fall under his control.
But,
When Ratnavati received the perfume bottle, she sensed something unnatural. Instead of using it , she threw the bottle against a large rock. And the perfume touched the rock. And Rock absorbed the dark magic. The rock now cursed, rolled towards Singhiya, crushing him to death.
*Singhiya’s Death and His Last Wish*
Singhiya was crushed with a boulder, and they died. With his last breath, he cursed Bhangarh, saying that the fort and its people would be doomed forever.
And he declared that no one would stay in Bhangarh. If someone stayed in the fort, they would be destroyed.
The curse comes true.
The very next year, in a battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh, all inmates of the palace along with Princess Ratnavati died.
Why Does No One Stay In Bhangarh Fort After Sunset.
Paranormal activities.
- The locals are to be believed; whoever has attempted to stay back in the fort or the nearby area after dark has never returned to tell their tale.
- The spirits roam in Bhangarh Fort at night, and various strange noises are heard.
- People say that after nightfall, the fort gets all spooky, with the sounds of weird music, crying children, and jangling bangles.
- Some say that the air is charged with a dizzying heaviness; they felt as if their movements were being watched.
- That’s why . The Archaeological Survey of India has placed a sign at the entrance, warning visitors to leave before sunset, as it’s believed that no one is safe once night falls.
Dare to Enter? Bhangarh Fort’s spirits are watching you.
But which places?
1• Main Entrance Gate
Tourists report hearing whispers, disembodied footsteps, and cold spots here. Others have reported seeing dark shapes passing through palace ruins.
2.The Dancers’ Haveli (Nachan Ki Haveli)
This mansion haveli was said to be where the royal court was entertained by dancers.
Paranormal researchers have seen inexplicable music noises and a creepy sensation of being observed.
Some tourists report hearing footsteps coming towards them, only to discover no person is present.
3.The Marketplace (Jauhari Bazaar)
This was once a busy marketplace but is now quiet and creepy.
Tourists report hearing muttering and feeling hidden hands touch them.
Others have even felt a force that was not there, pushing them away, as if the ghosts were attempting to force them out.
4• Secret Rooms and Hidden Passages
The underground rooms and passages within Bhangarh are inaccessible these days.
Some are convinced that these dark rooms trap spirits, and a sudden attack of fear and nausea for people approaching them is a result.
• People have also claimed to hear screams as if somebody is cautioning them against going further.
Why ASI Banned Bhangarh Fort at Night?
• Reason
1• Paranormal activity
If anyone who enters the fort at night would not be able to return in the morning.
2•Mysterious Death
There have been unverified stories of people who stayed overnight and went missing or were found dead under mysterious circumstances.
3•Wild Animal and Natural Risk
The locality is near a wildlife sanctuary; thus, there are high chances of meeting wild animals late at night.
4•Historical Legends and Curses
The fort is said to be cursed by a tantrik (black magician) who cursed the whole town, and it’s not a safe place to be after sunset.
How To Reach Bhangarh Fort?
1•By Air
The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI) (90 km away).
You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to reach Bhangarh.
2•By Train
The closest railway station is Dausa Railway Station (28 km).
You can hire a taxi or local transport from Dausa to Bhangarh.
Alwar Railway Station (90 km) is another alternative for tourists.
3•By Road
From Jaipur (83 km)—Take NH21 towards Dausa, then proceed on the road to Gola Ka Bas village.
From Delhi (269 km)—Drive on NH48 up to Jaipur, then move onto NH21 to Dausa and take the route to Bhangarh.
From Alwar (90 km)—Drive on NH248A up to Ajabgarh and drive further to Bhangarh.
4•By Bus
No direct government buses are available to Bhangarh.
It is possible to board a bus to Dausa or Alwar and hire a private cab or auto-rickshaw.
Is Bhangarh Fort Safe To Visit?
Bhangarh Fort is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset only.
To make the most of your trip and to ensure your safety, it’s advisable to visit during daylight hours from 6 AM to 6 PM. Exploring this centuries-old monument in broad daylight allows you to admire its architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings.
Warning
The Archaeological Survey of India has placed a sign at the entrance, warning visitors to leave before sunset, as it’s believed that no one is safe once night falls
Must-Visit Places Near Bhangarh Fort
1) Ajabgarh Fort
Ajabgarh Fort is located around 9 km from Bhangarh Fort.
Ajabgarh was named for its founder, Ajab Singh Rajawat, the grandson of Madho Singh, founding ruler of Bhangarh.
The Shiva temple inside the fort attracts visitors seeking history and spirituality. Beautiful Rajput-style architecture can still be seen in parts of the fort.
Timing
Entry inside the fort is restricted after sunset or before sunrise.
The timings of the fort are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. only, so plan your visit accordingly.
2) Narayani Mata
Narayani Mata temple is located around 11 km from Bhangarh Fort. Famous for
This one is devoted to Goddess Narayani, related to the Sati practice in ancient times.
It is thought to provide sacred protection from paranormal forces, particularly because it’s near Bhangarh Fort.
Timing
They are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Morning Aarti 9:30 a.m.
- Evening Aarti 7:00 p.m.
3) Bala Quila
Bala Quila is located around 82 or 85 km from Bhangarh Fort.
Bala Quila is known as the Alwar fort.
Famous for
Built in the 15th century by Hasan Khan Mewati
It is situated on a hill in the Aravalli Range, above the town of Alwar. The fort is 5 kilometers long and is about 1.5 kilometers wide.
Timing
Bala Quila Fort timings for visit are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
4) Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located around 48 km from Bhangarh Fort.
Famous for
The reserve is immensely rich in flora and fauna and is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Several tigers in Sariska have gained fame due to their unique stories and significant roles in the conservation efforts of the park.
Timing
- Opening Months: October – June
- Closed: July – September (Monsoon)
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Evening Safari: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Safari Options: Jeep & Canter
- Advance Booking Recommended
5) Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located around 34 km from Bhangarh Fort.
Famous for
It is dedicated to the god Shiva.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.
It is said that some feel that the temple offers spiritual protection against the paranormal events of Bhangarh Fort, which is 34 km away.
It is common for pilgrims to visit the temple after walking through Bhangarh seeking blessings and peace.
Timing
- Opening time: 5:00 a.m.
- Closing time: 9:00 p.m.
Conclusion
Bhangarh Fort is not a place—it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. The whispers of the past, the ruins whispering untold stories, and the hair-raising tales of the supernatural make it India’s most enigmatic mystery. You may or may not believe in ghosts, but one thing is certain—Bhangarh is not just another ancient monument; it’s a mystery shrouded in myths and darkness.
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