The Haunted Fort at Bhangarh

The Bhangarh Fort is located in the Alwar District of Rajasthan. Bordering the fort is the Sariska Reserve Forest. The Fort is amongst the top haunted places in India as well as the world.  Legends say that a saint named Baba Balak Nath lived within the fort area, and it was his injunction that any house built inside the fort area should not be taller than his own, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his, it would result in destruction of the fort town which did happen resulting in the destruction of the fort. Another legend says a Jadugar named Sinhai fell in love with the beautiful princess of Bhangarh, Ratnavati. The wizard with the wish to own the princess offered her some drink in the marketplace. The princess refused not and threw it onto a large rock that consequently rolled onto the wizard and crushed him to death. While dying the wizard cursed which resulted in the destruction. 

Well, story doesnt end here. Several paranormal activities have been reported in the area. It is also said that nobody can spend night in the fort, either they are found dead or died later.

I have always been fascinated by such stories and had longed to visit one of them. Opportunity came in form of our Rajasthan trip in early 2017. This was much awaited as twice earlier the trip had to be cancelled for various reasons. So, while planning, on my insistence our tour manager planned Bhangarh. It was like the day we land in Delhi, we shall start for Jaipur straight from the airport. On the way we shall visit Bhangarh and by eveming we shall reach Jaipur from where the rest of the trip shall begin.

So, the day was 5th of February,2017. After landing in Delhi at about 9:30 in the morning, we boarded the traveller. On the way had breakfast and lunch. All 9 of us were super excited now that the much anticipated visit to Bhangarh is going to be fulfilled.

But now was the "kahaani mein twist", the twist in the tale. All of a sudden, we realised the traveller was running quite slow, not only that, our driver was taking frequent breaks. It was getting late coz we had to reach by 4 30 since the fort gate close for visitors by 5 pm. We were to cover quite a distance, then on our insistence the intention of our driver was clear. He was not at all willing to go to Bhangarh, instead he asked us to go straight to Jaipur.

We were furious, and immediately called the tour manager. He convinced him, and all of a sudden the traveller gained speed. So, one hurdle was over. The next one was the time, we were nowhere near the fort and it was already 4 pm. We all agreed that we must reach there, even if we cannot enter. It was our last hope, at least we can have  a glimpse of the area and the fort. Hearts were pounding.

The way to the fort was beautiful, but we could not enjoy the ride. On the we saw the Ajabgarh Fort also. But this was not the target. At last, we crossed the last village which is about 1.5 kms away from the fort. It is said that locals tend to stay away from Bhangarh Fort. Then came the moment!! Could see the Fort from a distance!! It was already 4 45 pm when we reached there.. all of us literally ran towards the gate. The ASI guard was hesitant since the closing time was near, but on our request and explanation, he agreed. And thus our journey began.

The main entrance has a Hanumaji Temple where every visitor has to offer prayer, it is believed that Hanumanji will protect from evil spirits. Then the ruins of the market area also known as Jauhari Bazaar, the walk through the ruins gaves goosebumps.  The ruins of temples, palaces.  There are actually four gates - Lahori gate, Ajmeri gate, Phulbari Gate and Delhi gate. Scattered inside the fort are ruins of Gopinath temple, Someshwar temple to name a few. We could have a proper view of the Gopinath temple only since its was getting dark and time running by, the Gopinath Temple is built with yellow stones and have beautiful exquisite carvings. The residence of the priest, called the Purohitji ki haveli  is in he temple complex. Next are Nachan ki haveli. That area has many ghastly stories, and the guard did not allow us there since most of the supernatural activities are reported there and it was evening time. The Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort's limits on a hill top. Just behind the Palace are jungles of Sariska.

The experience was beyond imagination and I may not be able to express in words. Standing in the middle of the ruins of a fort with the backdrop of a forest, an eerie silence all over, dim light with no other light except torch, we could hear the shrill sounds of animals and birds mainly peacock and monkeys. Climbed the hillock to reach the palace. It was almost dark, so could not have a proper look into the carvings, but still an awesome experiene.

While coming down, I looked back at palace and could hear a crying sound, suddenly felt my feet freeze, but for a few seconds, then realized it was actually the breeze passing through the empty walls of the palace which was giving such a feeling.

Though the fort visit was incomplete, but the experience we had especially due to the ambience created by falling day light was awesome. The ruins of once a formidable empire bearing pains and wounds all around... will come back Bhangarh, once again, this time will spend an entire day!!