Unmasking Bhangarh: Are Its Curses More Than Myths?

Rumors claim that the ruins of Bhangarh are a dangerous place to stay at night

The city of Bhangarh, located in the region of Rajasthan, is widely regarded as the most haunted place in India. Established in 1573 by Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh I, the place soon evolved into a bustling town with palaces and temples. However, by 1783, the city had transformed into a ghost town—desolate, abandoned, and shrouded in mysterious rumors about curses and bad luck. What exactly happened?

The Downfall of the City according the Legends

Local legends attribute city downfall to not only one but two curses. According to one tale, Baba Balnat, a wandering yogi, declared that any building casting a shadow on his house would incure a curse that will doom the entire city. On the other hand, he mentioned that if instructions concerning permitted heights for new buildings were met, he would protect the city throughtout its existence.

When a proud prince violated this condition by erecting a tall tower for his new palace, casting a shadow on Baba's house and thereby defying Baba's wishes, the curse supposedly took hold. Today, Balnath's grave is said to rest within the city's ruins.

Another legend speaks of Singhiyam, a wizard somewhere from Tibet, who cursed the city for the second time after the local princess rejected his marriage proposal. While these stories are purely of a legendary nature, some believe there may be a kernel of truth to them.

The Once Thriving City Was Suddenly Abandoned, and Reasons for This Are Unknown

The haunted reputation of Bhangarh is so intense that even Indian oficials approach the site cautiously. The Archaeological Society of India, tasked with managing the city, strictly prohibits entry to city for anyone after dark. Despite attempts to relocate residents from the nearby villages, they chose to remain in the land of their forefathers. Though aware of the peculiar nocturnal sounds occasionally heard from the city on quiet nights, their attachment to the ancestral place outweighed any fears

Local belief holds that the curse will persist until the reincarnated princess, the one who rejected the wizard's marriage proposal, returns to the city. Until then, the ominous power lingering in the ruins is thought to endure, casting a perpetual shadow over the whole area.

Can only the princess save the city?

Despite its haunted reputation, Bhangarh attracts tourists, particularly from the Western world, who are drawn by its atmospheric ruins. 

Visitors to Bhangarh are often captivated by the haunting atmosphere as they explore the remnants of what was once a vibrant city. The echoes of the past seem to resonate through the dilapidated walls, creating an eerie yet intriguing experience for those brave enough to venture into the site during daylight hours.

The allure of Bhangarh extends beyond its allegedly legendary reputation. The city's architectural remnants offer a unique glimpse into the historical and cultural heritage of the region of Rajastan. 

While the prohibition on entry after dark may deter some, the daytime allure of Bhangarh continues to attract history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Situated on the crossroad of historical significance and legendary tales makes it a destination that stands somewhere between fact and fiction.