Exploring Bhangarh Fort – A Journey Through Curses, Ruins, and Fear

 

Being a passionate history enthusiast, I never miss an opportunity to explore old forts and ruins. So when the name Bhangarh Fort kept coming up as “India’s most haunted place,” my curiosity instantly took over. Despite the chilling stories I had heard, I decided to see it for myself — not just to test the haunted rumors, but also to soak in the historical richness of the place.

A Fort Steeped in History and Legends

Located in Ajabgarh, Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort was built in 1631 by Raja Bhagwant Das for his younger son, Madho Singh. For years, the fort was a bustling royal settlement, with temples, palaces, and marketplaces inside its walls. But today, it lies in ruins — eerie, silent, and cloaked in mystery.

What makes Bhangarh Fort more than just an abandoned structure are the strange tales that linger around it. These legends, passed down through generations, have transformed this site into a mix of history and horror.

The Tantrik’s Curse and the Fate of Princess Ratnavati

Among the most well-known stories is that of Princess Ratnavati — described as extraordinarily beautiful — and a Tantrik (black magician) named Singhia who became obsessed with her. Knowing he could never be with the princess, he devised a dark plan. He enchanted a bottle of oil, hoping she would use it and fall under his spell.

However, Ratnavati realized something was wrong and threw the oil away. The bottle struck a rock, which then rolled toward the sorcerer and crushed him. In his final breath, Singhia cursed the entire palace — vowing that no soul would ever rest there again.

Strangely enough, soon after, Bhangarh was attacked in a battle, and the princess was killed. Following this, the residents began to believe in the curse and fled the area. The fort was never resettled and has remained abandoned ever since.

The Sage’s Warning: A Promise Broken

Another popular legend tells of a sage named Bala Nath who lived near the site. When King Madho Singh planned to build the fort, he asked for the sage’s permission. Bala Nath agreed on one condition: the fort’s shadow must never fall on his hut.

The agreement held for years — until a descendant of Madho Singh expanded the fort upward. This caused its shadow to fall on the sage’s home. It is believed that this broke the sacred pact, and a series of misfortunes followed, eventually leading to the fort’s abandonment.

What It’s Like During the Day

When I visited Bhangarh Fort, the place seemed quite normal at first glance. During the day, it welcomes a large number of visitors — tourists, photographers, and curious explorers like me. The ruins were bathed in sunlight, and the place felt more like a historical site than a haunted one. People were clicking photos, roaming around, and discussing the legends as if they were stories from a movie.

But Bhangarh’s mood changes as evening creeps in.

When Daylight Fades: The Eerie Transition

As the sun started to dip behind the hills, the entire atmosphere shifted. The vibrant energy turned into a haunting stillness. The fort is surrounded by thick forest on all sides, and there are no villages nearby. As darkness slowly began to fall, the silence became deafening. Suddenly, the legends didn’t seem so unbelievable.

At that moment, I understood why so many people insist this place is haunted — not necessarily because of ghosts, but because of the loneliness that wraps around you in those final hours of daylight.

An Attempt to Reach the Temple

We also noticed a temple located at the top of the hill above the fort. Intrigued and excited, we tried to reach it, thinking it would offer a better view and perhaps some peaceful moments. But the path was unclear and practically nonexistent. The ground was uneven, and with every step, we were unsure of our direction.

What made things more intense was the very real fear of wild animals. The forest around the fort is dense and unguarded. Locals have often spoken of leopards and other predators roaming freely. That sense of uncertainty, combined with the encroaching dusk, made us abandon our attempt halfway.

Why Bhangarh is Closed After Sunset

At the entrance of the fort, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has posted a sign clearly stating: “Entering Bhangarh Fort before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.” While this is standard for many ASI-monitored sites, people often link this to paranormal activities specific to Bhangarh.

There are rumors of people who entered at night and never returned, strange shadows that move on their own, and even roofs that collapse mysteriously despite repairs. Whether truth or myth, the sign adds to the place’s chilling reputation.

History or Haunted: What Really Happened?

Historians and researchers argue that the town of Bhangarh may have been abandoned due to a famine or plague in the late 1700s. These logical explanations make sense, but over time, the supernatural tales have overshadowed the historical ones. For the locals and many visitors, the legends still carry weight.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit With Caution

Bhangarh Fort is more than just a tourist spot — it’s a blend of ancient stories, architectural beauty, and natural mystery. If you’re someone who loves uncovering the past, it’s worth a visit. But if you decide to go, make sure you leave before sunset. As someone who witnessed the eerie shift in the air, I can tell you — the real fear begins after dark.

Whether it’s cursed or not, Bhangarh Fort holds onto its secrets — waiting for the next curious traveler to walk through its silent, crumbling gates.