Bhangarh Fort, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, is widely regarded as India’s most cursed and haunted location due to a combination of chilling legends, historical abandonment, and persistent reports of paranormal activity. Its reputation is so notorious that the Archaeological Survey of India has placed warning signs at the entrance, strictly prohibiting entry after sunset and before sunrise, fueling its mystique as a place where supernatural forces are believed to be at their strongest.
The Curse of the Hermit: Guru Balu Nath
One of the most enduring legends centers around a hermit named Guru Balu Nath (also known as Baba Balau Nath). Before the fort was constructed in the 17th century, this area was his meditation ground. When Raja Madho Singh sought to build the fort, the hermit granted permission on a single condition: no building or fortification should cast its shadow on his dwelling. The king initially complied, but as the fort expanded, its shadow eventually fell upon the hermit’s abode. Enraged, Guru Balu Nath cursed the fort and the entire settlement, declaring that it would be destroyed and remain uninhabited forever.
Locals believe this curse is the reason why every house in the village is roofless. Attempts to build a roof reportedly end in collapse, and the settlement remains in ruins to this day.
The Tale of Princess Ratnavati and the Black Magician
Another popular legend involves Princess Ratnavati, famed for her beauty. According to folklore, a local black magician (tantrik) became infatuated with her and attempted to bewitch her using a magical potion. Sensing his intentions, Ratnavati foiled his plan, leading to the magician’s death. With his dying breath, he cursed the fort and its residents, condemning them to destruction and unrest. Soon after, the fort was invaded, and Princess Ratnavati, along with many others, perished, cementing the belief that the fort is haunted by restless spirits.
Paranormal Activity and Government Warnings
Numerous visitors have reported inexplicable sensations of anxiety, restlessness, and negativity within the fort’s walls. There are frequent accounts of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and an overwhelming sense of unease, especially after dark. The government’s explicit warning against entering the premises at night underscores the seriousness with which these tales are regarded.
Why Bhangarh Fort Stands Out
Bhangarh Fort’s haunted reputation is reinforced by:
- The persistent legends of powerful curses.
- The physical state of the ruins, with no intact roofs.
- The government’s official restrictions on nighttime entry.
- Widespread reports of paranormal encounters and eerie experiences.
These factors combine to make Bhangarh Fort not just a site of historical intrigue, but a focal point for India’s supernatural folklore, earning its status as the nation’s most cursed and haunted location.
