Bhangarh Fort - Haunted at night

The Bhangarh Story

The story (and the history) of the Bhangarh began in the year of 1573 when the fortress was established. Built by Raja Bhagawant Das – the ruler of the city of Amber, Bhangarh Fort had become the residence of Madho Singh, ruler’s second son who fought alongside his father and brother in many wars. The decline of Bhangarh Fort started in 1630 after Chhatr Singh, son of Madho Singh got killed in a violent attack. The decline continued until 1783 when the fortress and the city were completely abandoned following that year’s famine.

 Bhangarh is famous because it is a ghost town. Recognition of this fact by the official government body adds to its popularity. ASI(Archaeological Survey of India) has put up a signboard almost 1 km away from Bhangarh fort; warning the tourists and local folks to stay away from it before sunrise and after sunset.

No accommodation is offered within the ruins and even the office of ASI has been built at a safe distance from the fort, instead of within it as is the case with other similar sites.The main lane ends at a temple with a water tank fed with a perennial stream of water that originates in the magical snake-infested sandal woods, that is what the country folk still affirm. The other temple nearby has some fine segments of architecture. While on the outer surface, the figures of Mahishasuramardini and Varaha avatara of Vishnu are distinctly carved, some more unusual figures can be found on door jambs and the lintel of the garbha-griha that include Shiva-Parvati on the camel-back—a typical Rajasthani variant. For half a mile along the main road between the ruins, are shops on either side-perfectly symmetrical and harmoniously balanced, sings of a prosperous urban center.

The Bhangarh Myths

According to one of the myths, Bhangarh was an idea by Guru Balu Nath (Baba Balanath), who originally sanctioned the construction but warned that his sacred meditating place lies nearby and should the palace reach the size which would cast a shadow big enough to reach his forbidden retreat, the city would fall into ruin. Ignorant of the warning, Ajab Singh – one of dynasty’s later descendants raised the palace to a height that cast the shadow on the Balu Nath’s retreat and the city was was doomed

Another of the many stories talks about princess Ratnavati who was so beautiful she had no match in all of Rajasthan. Marriage proposals came coming, but one day she was spotted by a tantric named Singha Sevra. The Tantrik was charmed by her beauty and decided to use his black magic to get to her. On one occassion he saw her servant buying perfumes for her. The tantric used the opportunity and put a black magic spell on the lotion which was supposed to draw the princess to him upon initial use. His intentions were uncovered by a person loyal to the princess who informed her of bewitched lotion. The princess took the bottle and smashed it against the rock which came to life and rolled over the tantric killing him. Before he died, he laid a curse on entire land which came to be the following year during battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh. All who dwelt in Bhangarh died, including the princess.

There are several other myths and legends that explain the reasons why the fort was abandoned overnight and never re-inhabited, but they all revolve around the fact that the city was cursed and is now haunted by ghosts. The temples around the town are considered unscathed by the magic of wizard and hence safe from ghosts.

Places to visit

Sariska Palace and natural reserve (21kms)- a palace resort built with French influence is worth a stay which also includes a safari ride into the natural reserve. Some architectural wonder in the reserve predate to 750 A.D. Kankawari fort, Alwar where Dara Shikoh (brother of Aurangzeb was kept prisoner).

Pandupol (70 kms) natural arch converted into a temple to signify the victory of Hanuman over Bhim.

Talbraksha is famous for its sulphur springs,  A copy of the Mahabharata minutely written out in a single 80 yd. Page: an illuminated Koran, and an exclusive copy of the Persian Gulistan, lovingly created over 10 year, are some of the gems of a priceless collection of Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and Urdu manuscripts.The armoury section displays weapons dating back to the days of Hazeat Ali-Prophet Mohmmed's son-in-law -as well as the swords and armour of famous warriors like Muhammad Ghori. Akbar and Aurangzeb.

Directions and accomodation

2 hours journey from Jaipur, Nearby cities of Jaipur and Alwar(80kms) are connected by Railways and roadways. Flights to Jaipur are available from major cities. 

Regular bus service leaves for Bhangarh Ruins but requires about a kilometer of walking because nearest bus stop is not directly at the ruin. Another option is to take private taxes which are more expensive than buses, but get you there faster and at a time convenient to you.

A luxury hotel called Amanbagh is a modern resort built to resemble the Rajasthani values but with modern touches. Sariska Palace Reserve also serves as a nice place to heighten the experience.Nimrana fort palace is also a good option. Regular hotels and inns are available at Alwar and Jaipur.

A visit to Bhangarh will around 6 hours including travel from Alwar/Jaipur. Sariska Reserve and nearby places will require a 2 day stay and Bhangarh can be included withing that stay. Alwar will require another 2 days.

Excitement level (8/10)- With the ghost stories included Bhangarh offers lots of excitement and the planned and well preserved ghost city offers an unmatched experience.

Beauty level (6/10)- The ASI has been negligent in maintaining the relics and beautifying the place. It will definitely entice the historians.

* http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98dec06/sunday/head2.htm

* http://www.dancewithshadows.com/nuts/2008/08/26/bhangarh-haunted-city-where-government-tells-you-to-keep-off/  

* http://rajasthanspider.com/resources/2452-Rajasthan-s-Ghost-Town-Bhangarh.aspx

* http://www.limitthesky.com/?p=91

* http://www.indiamike.com/india/rajasthan-f26/bhangarh-the-haunted-town-in-rajsthan-t53186/