Bhangarh Fort, Alwar | History, Timings & Best Time to Visit
Considered the most haunted city in the nation, Bhangarh is well-known for its mediaeval ruins and ghost legends. It is situated on the route that connects Delhi and Jaipur. The 17th-century Bhangarh Fort is located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district. Bhagwant Das constructed it for Madho Singh I, his son. Madho Singh named it after his grandpa, either Man Singh or Bhan Singh.
It sends shivers down your spine as soon as you open the main gate of Bhoot Bangla, the abandoned fort city. Havelis, palaces, and temples are all located inside the fort. In addition, there are four further gates that lead to the fort: the Delhi Gate, the Phulbari Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, and the Lahori Gate. At the gates’ entry are numerous Hindu temples. The royal residence is situated at the very extremity of the fort’s perimeter.
History of Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
Raja Madho Singh, the younger brother of the renowned Mughal commander Man Singh of Amber, constructed Bhangarh Fort in the 17th century. In addition to the royal palace, Bhangarh had more than 9,000 homes until 1720, when its population started to decline. The fort is a well-liked tourist destination because of its historical significance and the ghost and curse stories associated with it. It is situated in Rajasthan’s Alwar region.
Man Singh I, a Navratna in Emperor Akbar’s court, created the fort’s design. The fort’s architecture, which combines Rajput and Mughal elements, includes a number of elaborate buildings, including as courtyards, palaces, and temples. The fort is decorated with elaborate carvings and murals and was built of marble and sandstone. The Hanuman Gate, the fort’s main gate, is a commanding building that opens into the fort’s central courtyard.
Haunted Stories and Legends of Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
The stories and traditions surrounding Bhangarh Fort have helped to make it one of India’s most haunted locations. The following are some of the most widely held myths and stories about Bhangarh Fort:
The Curse of the Tantrik
One of the alleged causes of the fort’s desolation is the curse of Bhangarh. Legend has it that a hermit by the name of Guru Balu Nath cursed Bhangarh Fort. The sage used to meditate in the location where the fort was constructed, and when the king begged him to build a fort there, the sage consented—but only on the stipulation that the shadow of the fort not touch him. Unfortunately, the king’s assurance that the shadow of the fort would not reach him at his location did not materialise, and the hermit’s curse ensued, resulting in the destruction of the entire community.
The Story of Princess Ratnavati
Princess Ratnavati’s Curse: Princess Ratnavati is the subject of another well-known mythology connected to the fort. She attracted several suitors from the nation’s royal families due to her exceptional beauty. A black magic expert wizard fell in love with the princess. One day when the princess and her friends were shopping, the wizard noticed that she was purchasing ittar (scent) and substituted a love potion for ittar. But after learning of the wizard’s deceit, the princess hurled the potion onto a nearby boulder. As a result, the magician was crushed to death as the boulder rolled in his direction.
However, he cursed the city before he was crushed to death, saying that no one would be able to survive inside its boundaries and that it would soon be destroyed. Later, the invading Mughal soldiers sacked the realm, killing Princess Ratnavati and every resident of the fort.
Bhangarh Fort, Alwar at Night
After sundown or before sunrise, no one is permitted to enter the fort. The fort’s ghostly occurrences are the subject of numerous local legends. Whether or not a person believes it is entirely up to him. It is reported that at night, odd noises are heard and that spirits prowl the Bhangarh fort. It is also said that after entering the fort at night, it would be impossible to get back in the morning.
How to Reach Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
About 280 kilometres separate Delhi from Bhangarh Fort, also called the Bhangarh Ka Kila. It is recommended to start your journey early in the morning and finish by dusk. Don’t let the difficulties stop you. Additionally, if possible, you should rent a car that can drive you about Sariska, Jaipur, Alwar, and Neemrana. The total cost of the vacation should range from 10,000 to 15,000 Rupees, depending on the car you rent.
Timings of the Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
The Bhangarh Fort is open on all days from 6 am to 6 pm and 11.15 pm to 3.30 am.
Best time to visit the Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
The fort is best visited in the winter months of October through February when the weather is tolerable.
Entry Fee: Rs.25 for Indians, Rs. 200 for Foreigners, and Rs. 200 for Video Camera.
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