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Dark Tourism to Mehandipur Balaji Temple for an Exorcism in Rajasthan

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There is a temple in Rajasthan dedicated to exorcism and cleansing of evil spirits. The Mehandipur Balaji opens its doors for whoever needs it, and it is said that there is always a huge crowd in need of help. 

In the Dausa district of Rajasthan, the Hindu Mehandipur Balaji Temple stands as a unique intersection of faith, exorcism, and the supernatural. Renowned for its exorcism activities, this temple is considered one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan and attracts many pilgrims seeking help.

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Dedicated to Lord Hanuman who have been worshiped here for ages, at least since the 11th century, it offers an unparalleled experience for those intrigued by dark tourism and the mystical world of exorcisms. The name Balaji comes from this deity and is his child form and this deity is also connected with ghosts and spirits.

A Temple Steeped in Mystique

Mehandipur Balaji Temple attracts people from all over India, drawn by its reputation for expelling evil spirits and providing relief from supernatural disturbances. The temple’s association with exorcism rituals has made it a focal point for those seeking solace from black magic, witchcraft, and various paranormal afflictions. 

It is one of the most well known temples in India and said to always be crowded, even to the point of cases of stampedes.

The temple is not just a haunted site but a revered religious destination where devotees come to seek spiritual healing and protection from malevolent forces.

Visiting Mehandipur Balaji Temple

For those interested in dark tourism, a visit to Mehandipur Balaji Temple provides a unique and immersive experience. The temple allows visitors to observe the intersection of faith and the occult, witnessing firsthand the rituals and ceremonies performed to combat spiritual afflictions. They say you should follow a strict vegetarian diet a week before visiting.

The temple is open to devotees and visitors throughout the year, typically from early morning until evening. Many of those who have visited claim to have felt a strange change in the atmosphere the moment they enter the town itself with chants of Jai bala.

The Intense Rituals of Exorcism

During the ceremonies to rid themselves of spiritual bad energy, individuals believed to be possessed by spirits are brought to the temple for exorcism. Some are even said to be chained to the railings of the temple of iron.

The atmosphere during these rituals is often described as intense and charged with spiritual energy. The possessed individuals undergo a series of intense rituals and prayers, including the chanting of mantras by the pandits, sprinkling of holy water from the statue of Balaji, and the use of various herbs and holy ashes, all aimed at liberating them from the grip of evil forces.

The experience of witnessing these rituals can be both eerie and fascinating. The temple’s atmosphere, filled with the sounds of chanting and the sight of intense exorcisms, offers a rare glimpse into the world of the supernatural and the deep-seated beliefs in spiritual healing.

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References:

Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan – Legend, Exorcism & Mystery 

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information 

Mehandipur Balaji Temple – Wikipedia

मेहंदीपुर बालाजी टेम्पल 

Faith, ritualistic healing and exorcism: Rajasthan’s Mehandipur Balaji Temple is surrounded by mysteries | Times of India Travel 

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Ghosts Roaming in the Dow Hill Forest and School

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In the thick forest at Dow Hill in Kurseong, locals have reported seeing strange things between the trees and in the old school from colonial times are said to have ghosts in attendance even when the school is closed.  

In the picturesque hills of Kurseong in West Bengal, lies a forest as well as a school shrouded in mystery and dark legends. About 30 kilometers from Darjeeling, this place has been the subject of numerous paranormal sightings and eerie occurrences. 

The Dow Hill of Kurseong is also known as the Land of White Orchids in the Lepcha language. The Lepcha people were the first people that settled in the area and the place has been fought over by both the Indian kingdoms as well as Nepal. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The town also offers a fantastic view of the Teesta Valley and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. It is high up in the mountains with a pleasant climate and therefore popular to the British when they colonized India. 

But it is also known as a very haunted place. From ghostly apparitions to inexplicable footsteps, many visitors and locals have reported feeling an unnerving presence, especially in the dense forests surrounding the old school. What makes Dow Hill so haunted? 

The Ghosts of the Dow Hill Forest

The Dow Hill Forest is a dense and eerie forest that surrounds the school. Many people have reported feeling an unnerving presence in the forest, as if they are being watched by someone or something.

Read More: Check out more haunted forests from around the world

In the forest people keep talking about seeing the ghost of a boy close to what the locals call the Death Road between the Dow Hill Road and the Forest Office. Visitors as well as local woodcutters have reported seeing a young boy walk along the road and disappearing into the forest. According to those telling the story, the boy is headless. When people tried to follow him, he had just disappeared into thin air in the thick forest. 

Kurseong: The mountain place is known for its lush and green nature. Here from  the plains from Gidda Pahar. //Source: Imran Samad/Wikimedia

Some have even claimed to have seen him chasing after them or have been watched by some red eyes. 

The forest is also home to the ghost of a young girl or woman wearing gray wandering in the mystic forest. The worst rumors about this haunted forest though, is that some people have been driven mad by it or sent them into a sort of trance.  

The History of Victoria Boys School

There are two historical schools in the area, one is Dowhill Girls and the other one is the Victoria Boys School was established in 1879 by the British Government and is one of the oldest schools in India. The school was named after Sir Ashley Eden, who was the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal from 1877 to 1879. The name was later changed to Dow Hill School in 1926.

It was originally meant for the children of British officers stationed in India and people working for the railway. It was later opened to Indian students as well. It is the boys school that is supposedly haunted. 

Dow Hill School: An old picture of Dow Hill School in Kurseong that are now supposedly haunted.

However, the school’s history is not all sunshine and rainbows. The area around Dow Hill has witnessed several tragedies over the years, including murders and accidents according to legends. The school has also had many students and teachers pass away due to illnesses. Some think that it is the haunting and darkness found in the forest that have entered the school as well. Or could it be the other way around?

Although there are no written records about this, the haunted rumors persist. It is particularly in the months of December to March a lot of the hauntings are supposed to happen. The school is closed then, but even if there is no one there, you can still hear whispers and footsteps coming from within from children. 

Many of the stories are told from the guards looking after it throughout the holiday, and they claim to hear voices of children in the dark corridors and seeing students there when there are not supposed to be any. 

The ghost of the headless ghost of the boy from the forest is also said to haunt this area. People have also claimed that the ghost of a boy has been seen looking at them through the window. 

Even though the ghost stories are plenty, the school management keeps insisting that there have never been a death on the school grounds. 

The Hauntings of Dow Hill

Dow Hill School as well as the surrounding forest is a place shrouded in mystery and dark legends. Especially in the last couple of years during October people have been reported to visit the school and forest in search of ghosts after the legends about the place started to spread and reach a wider audience.

The school and police have seen it’s necessary to put up signs notifying people where there are protected areas and no entries to keep people out from the schools. They also deny people permission to spend the night in the forest. For what reason could there be to keep them our from these woods?

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References:

Kurseong – Wikipedia  

Victoria Boys’ School (Kurseong) – Wikipedia 

The Headless Ghost Of Dow Hill, Kurseong 

Dowhill ‘ghost stories’ draw visitors to Kurseong – The Statesman 

Spirits of the Dow Hill of Darjeeling 

The haunted Dow Hill of Kurseong is the stuff real horror stories are made of

Dow Hill Kurseong: The Most Haunted Places In Darjeeling | Zee Zest 

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The Ghost of Rees Griffiths Haunting the North Kaibab Trail

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A former worker on the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon died when a boulder fell over him. Ever since, strange lights and apparitions close to his grave on the trail as well as the Phantom Ranch on the bottom of the Canyon are said to haunt the park. 

In the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, nestled near the iconic Phantom Ranch, lies the North Kaibab Trail—a path steeped in history and tragedy. It is a two day rim to rim trek of the Grand Canyon, but the area you are hiking is thought to be haunted by a former park employee. 

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The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited and most difficult trail of the inner canyon in the park. It starts at 305 meters and is challenging with a steep trail carved out bit by bit by those said to be haunting it. 

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Haunted story of Rees Griffith

Rees Griffith: The man from Pennsylvania was a trail forman working on building the North Kaibab Trail

In February of 1922, Rees B. Griffiths, the 48 year old foreman of a construction crew tasked with blasting out a section of the Grand Canyon, met a grisly end on the North Kaibab Trail. As he was working on a building on the southern part of the trail, a boulder crushed him, ending his life abruptly when it tumbled down the slope. 

He survived the initial crush but died later in the camp on the trail. Griffiths, who had a profound connection to the canyon and loved the outdoors, had expressed a wish to be buried there upon his death. 

Honoring this wish, his grave was situated between Black Bridge and Phantom Ranch, directly across from the Pueblo Ruins on the North Kaibab Trail. His coffin was made from materials they had around the camp and a pile of rocks marked his grave. His burial site remains a poignant reminder of his untimely demise.

Haunted Legends of the Strange Lights

Since Griffiths’ tragic death, the area around his grave has become a focal point for ghostly legends and eerie encounters. Many visitors and hikers have reported seeing the ghost of Rees Griffiths wandering the North Kaibab Trail. 

These apparitions are often described as a solitary figure, appearing just as the light begins to fade. Some witnesses have reported seeing a small, mysterious light hovering above Griffiths’ burial site, which many believe to be his restless spirit. The spectral sightings are not limited to the trails alone; campers in the vicinity of the North Kaibab Trail have also recounted chilling experiences, including unexplained noises and a pervasive sense of being watched.

The Haunted Phantom Ranch

Many of those spotting him are people staying at the Phantom Ranch, east of the Bright Angel Creek, with its eerie name can only be reached on foot or by boat. The little ranch opened in 1922 at the bottom of the Canyon and there are also mules taking hikers out in the wilderness for people that have won the lottery of staying there as they don’t take any reservations. 

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The ghostly presence of Rees Griffiths is not merely a tale for the campfire. Numerous hikers and visitors have experienced signs of paranormal activity in the area. The ghostly figure is often seen at dusk or dawn, silently walking the trails, but is he haunting the place alone?

According to some sources, another name is said to be haunting the place in a very similar manner and the reason why it got its name. The Phantom Ranch is found in the Phantom Canyon, a side canyon off Bright Angel Canyon. It is said it got its name after John Shane, a prospector died years before the ranch. A stone fell off the wall and killed him at the mouth of a side canyon close to the creek. Hunters and prospectors alike claimed to have seen strange storms and nights. 

Phantom Ranch: Further along the North Kaibab Trail you will find the Phantom Ranch. This place is said to have a haunted atmosphere and is what gave it its name. Overview of phantom ranch swimming pool with entry ladder and waterfall water inlet. Guest cabins behind. Circa 1965.

Caretaker of the Phantom Ranch in the early years, Noah Kelley knew Shane well and after him and others saw strange things, they named it Phantom Canyon. : “I saw what looked just like someone was carrying a lantern going from place to place. Then it would go out and in a minute would come again. It sure would, and sometimes it was just awful dim like and then it would brighten up and the thunder kept on rolling. I just laid in bed and covered up my head. I sure did.” (Source)

The Allure of the Haunted Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, with its majestic beauty and profound silence, has always held an air of mystery. The haunted legends of the North Kaibab Trail add a layer of intrigue to the natural wonder, drawing both paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors. The tale of Rees Griffiths and the other ghosts possibly haunting the North Kaibab Trail as well as the Phantom Ranch serves as a stark reminder of the canyon’s dangerous history and the lives that have been lost amidst its rugged landscape in search of adventure and wilderness. 

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References:

History of Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon- 1922-1934 

Grand Canyon – Phantom Ranch Information 

Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 1 

GRIFFITHS, Rees B. – Ariizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project 

Rees Bladen Griffiths (1873-1922) – Find a Grave Memorial 

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The Gentle Haunting at Markree Castle

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Although connected to Red Mary, infamous for her cruelty, the Markree Castle is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl that likes when guests leave her presents. 

In the enchanting landscapes of County Sligo, Markree Castle has witnessed centuries of change, echoing with the footsteps of generations who have called it home. Today it is a four star hotel on the Irish coastal route Wild Atlantic Way.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Markree Castle has been the cherished seat of the Cooper family since 1663. Its walls have borne witness to the ebb and flow of time, holding within their confines the tales of those who lived, loved, and sometimes lingered beyond their years.

History of the Castle

In the 17th century, Markree Castle was originally allotted to Cornet Edward Cooper, a soldier who served under Cromwell. The castle had previously been a fortified outpost of the McDonagh Clan, guarding a river ford. After Edward married Marie Rua, widow of Conor O’Brien who died in battle, they lived at Dromoland Castle. The Red Mary has her own ghost story from another castle. 

Their descendants continued to own Markree Castle, although there were periods when they had to flee due to political turmoil, such as during King James’s attempt to regain the throne and the Irish Civil War in the 1920s.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

In the 19th century, Col. Edward Joshua Cooper established Markree Observatory on the castle grounds, housing one of the world’s largest telescopes at the time. The castle underwent architectural changes in the 1800s and recorded Ireland’s lowest officially recognized air temperature in 1881.

Markree Castle: This haunted castle in Sligo, Ireland, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a small girl. //Source: Wikimedia

In the 20th century, Bryan Cooper inherited the castle in 1902 and resided there with his family, except during World War I and political duties, until his death in 1930. After the Second World War, the castle was occupied by Bryan and Elizabeth Cooper until 1981. In 1992, it was converted into a hotel by Charles Cooper. The castle underwent renovations after being sold to the Corscadden family in 2015.

The Ghost Pippa Haunting Markree Castle

Unlike some other haunted dwellings that bear witness to darker, more sinister apparitions, Markree Castle’s ghosts are said to be of a gentler disposition. At the heart of its supernatural tales lies the spirit of a young child, whose tragic passing left an indelible mark on the castle’s soul.

The hauntings have become so regular over the years that the staff have named her Pippa and have even learned to manage her by leaving her little gifts.

The mischievous little spirit is believed to find amusement in playfully locking doors and causing staff to fumble with their plates. While some might find these antics unnerving, they serve as a reminder of the castle’s rich history and the lives that once thrived within its walls.

Visitors that have brought their children have experienced them being visited by this curious ghost. One guest found her 2 year old talking with no one and when asked, the child pointed to the corner, but there was no one there. 

The Enigmatic Cellars

In the depths of Markree Castle’s cellars, where the past meets the present in a spectral dance, there have been reports of paranormal activities. These mysterious occurrences beckon those with a penchant for the supernatural to explore the castle’s hidden depths and perhaps glimpse the ethereal residents that call it home.

Markree Castle’s blend of history, elegance, and the supernatural makes it a captivating destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike on its 500 acres that are now a hotel.

As you wander through its corridors and explore its enigmatic cellars, keep an eye out for the mischievous spirit who reminds us that even in the afterlife, there’s room for a bit of playful fun.

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References:

Markree Castle | Haunted Sligo, Ireland | Spirited Isle

The History of of Markree Castle | Irish Castle

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The Ghostly of Gram Parsons at the Joshua Tree Inn

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Haunting music is said to linger in the Joshua Tree Inn, said to be the ghost of the musician Gram Parsons, who died tragically in one of the rooms of the Inn. Now, musicians from all over the world come to the desert in search of inspiration as well as his ghost. 

In the vast expanse of the Californian desert lies a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits alike – Joshua Tree National Park. Established on the hauntingly fitting date of October 31, 1994, this arid landscape draws thousands seeking inspiration from its mesmerizing rock formations. 

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Yet, amid the stark beauty of the desert on a seemingly simple roadside motel, a ghostly legend resonates – the spirit of the legendary musician, Gram Parsons. He is said to haunt the motel Joshua Tree Inn, the place he always stayed in for inspiration as well as the place he died. 

Joshua Tree State Park: There are many ghost stories connected to the desert landscape of the Joshua Tree State Park. The most well known is perhaps the ghost of that of Gram Parson who is said to haunt the Joshua Tree Inn.

Country Music Legend Gram Parson

Gram Parsons, left an indelible mark on the industry through collaborations with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris, found solace and creativity in the desert’s embrace. The Joshua Tree Inn became a sanctuary for Parsons and his musical companions, where drug-fueled nights were spent jamming, creating, and forging memories that would echo through time. Tripping on acid, he also claimed to have seen UFOs there. 

He was raised in Georgia and Florida, and was heir to an orange farming empire with plenty of money, but he was drawn to the mostly penniless musical career. His brief career in bands like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers as well as trailblazing writing some kind of country with a bit of hippie, he wanted to create a type of Cosmic Country genre. Perhaps this was not commercially successful then, but inspired people like Keith Richard with the Rolling Stones and discovering Emmylou Harris is also attributed to him.

Gram Parsons: The musician who died September 19, 1973 is one of the most well known ghost stories in Joshua Tree National Park. //Source: GAB ARCHIVE/REDFERNS

The career was filled with alcohol, drugs, fighting and at least one arrest. Some performances he was almost unable to stay on his feet, some shows were like magic where everything was right and the music was flowing. 

Tragically, the music came to an abrupt halt on the fateful morning of September 19, 1973, when Gram Parsons succumbed to a drug overdose aged only 26, right before his rise to fame. 

He had checked into room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn in the Morongo Valley in San Bernardino. A highway motel on the side of the road that attracted musicians, poets, photographers and the like, already before he made the place infamous. He had lost his home and belongings in a fire and was planning to go on another tour in October.

After six double tequilas at the bar with friends, he bought morphine from a woman staying at the hotel who injected him. They tried to revive him, but to no end.

Joshua Tree Inn: Found at 61259 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, the Inn is believed to be haunted, most notably by the musician, Gram Parsons.

In a surreal turn of events, his friends, in adherence to his wishes, “kidnapped” his body before his stepfather could intervene. Friend and road manager, Phil Kaufman remembered a promise they had made to each other drunk: Whichever one of us goes first, we’ll cremate the other’s body in Joshua Tree Park.

Chaos ensued when the stepfather wanted to send his body east, something his friends felt it was the last he would have wanted. They stole his casket and brought it into the desert to Cap Rock. There they put on a big fire of the casket, turning the landscape into a final canvas for the artist’s unconventional farewell in a funeral pyre.

The friends were found, charged with grand theft larceny of the coffin and what remained of Gram were sent back east to his family. 

The Haunted Joshua Tree Inn

Guests, unsuspecting visitors to a musical sanctuary, have reported ethereal encounters – the faint strains of singing in the wind, the lingering aroma of cigarette smoke, and even companionship with the ghostly figure of Gram Parsons himself. 

It is especially the Room 8 that people claim strange things happen, like opening and closing of doors, a mirror on the wall rattling and a nightstand that seems to move. 

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Outside the room, a small memorial of guitar shaped stones, beer bottles, candles and guitar picks, vinyl records and cowboy boots in honor of the late musician. A note reads: “It’s good to be back in room 8. Five years ago I almost died here. You kept me company in the early morning hours while I recovered and watched the sunrise & listened to the morning doves.”

Room 8: The Joshua Tree Inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of Gram Parson who died in the room after giving his all to country music. // Source: Wikimedia

Another note hinting to the haunted rumors: “Gram, it was a little trippy when you locked me in here,” 

The motel has leaned into the haunted stories and dark tourism, charging well over 100 dollars for a night at the haunted room. According to the man standing behind the desk at the motel, he says it “It’s definitely our most popular room,”  

Musicians in Search for Ghosts

The place has become a cult place, especially for musicians, wanting to make their tribute to his spirit, some park rangers and hikers call them the Grampires. Kacey Musgrave for example told about her encounter with his spirit when staying at the Inn, filming her Follow Your Arrow music video. 

It is also said that his only child, Polly Parsons sometimes takes the trip anc checks into the room to stay and tries to communicate with his spirit.

Other Haunted Rooms

But could it be that Gram is not the only ghost haunting the Inn, and that there are more haunted rooms? According to people working there, some believe there is. There has been a voice of a woman from Room 6 when there was no one there. There have also been said to be some sort of energy and presence in other places of the motel as well. 

In the realm of ghosts, Gram Parsons emerges as a benevolent spirit, offering a hauntingly beautiful connection to the creative energies that flow through the desert landscape. For those who dare to venture into the mystic realm of Joshua Tree National Park, Gram Parsons’ ethereal melodies and timeless presence await in the starlit nights of the Californian desert.

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References:

A Joshua Tree Motel Room, Haunted by the Ghost of a Country Legend – The New York Times 

 12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

Gram Parsons Room 8 

How a beloved L.A. record store unearthed a long-lost Gram Parsons recording 

An evening at the Joshua Tree Inn and the Spirit of Gram Parsons 

Enough About Gram Parsons’s Death. It’s Time to Celebrate His Music. 

Gram Parsons’ Joshua Tree legacy endures 50 years after he died – Los Angeles Times 

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/desert-magazine/2015/12/09/haunting-allure/76982908

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Elche’s Historic and Haunted Library

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In the old town of Elche there is an old library that is said to be haunted. Securitas have claimed to have witness an entire procession of ghost monks wandering through the halls that once used to be a Franciscan Monastery.

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche has a long and storied history. Originally established as a convent of Franciscan friars in the 16th century, it later served as a charity hospital before being converted into a library in the 18th century. This transformation laid the foundation for the library’s reputation as a place of both knowledge and mystery.

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The library’s location within the historic city center of Elche adds to its significance. Elche itself is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and the library stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its past. 

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche is no stranger to tales of paranormal activity. Over the years, numerous stories have circulated about ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena within its walls. One of the most enduring legends is that of the spirit of the monks who once inhabited the library.

According to local folklore, the ghost of a friar roams the library at night, his presence felt by those who dare to venture into the dimly lit corridors. Visitors have reported hearing soft footsteps and murmured prayers, as if the spirit of the friar is still carrying out his duties even in death. Some have even claimed to have seen the apparition of a hooded figure, silently gliding through the shelves, disappearing into thin air.

Haunted Encounters in the Library

One such encounter of the paranormal involved a group of security guards who were stationed at the library during the night shift. They reported strange noises, cold drafts, and flickering lights that seemed to have no logical explanation. Some even claimed to have seen shadowy figures darting in and out of the corners of their vision, and even an entire monastic procession. 

On this particular night in the early 1990s, they were making their rounds as usual when one of them heard the sound of chains being dragged on the ground from the courtyard. Later that night, around 3 o’clock, he heard the same again inside of the library. When he went to check, he found piles of books stacked on the table, without anyone having gone inside. He tried to ignore it and went back to work. But then the specter of a ghost monk appeared and he fled from the library, running as fast as he could and spent the rest of the night in his car with his weapon ready, scared to death. 

The case reached the press, but the staff of the library was asked to not talk about ghosts and phantoms in the library. Their work was to offer the service of books, not ghost stories. What could it be?

Sure, there are many things that could explain strange things happening in an old building like the library. According to a staff member at the time, it was apparently a rat infestation in the air-went, making strange rattling and scratching sounds. The books could be a prank or just something the security guard forgot about. The wind can also create mystical sounds. But a whole procession of monks?

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References:

LOS FANTASMAS DE LA BIBLIOTECA DE ELCHE
Los fantasmas de la Biblioteca de Elche

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The Scorched Ghosts of Rana Kumbha Palace and the Chittorgarh Fort

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A queen is said to haunt the Rana Kumbha Palace and the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India. Legend tells she jumped into the fire to escape invaders visitors talk about seeing a ghost with a burned face. 

Within the formidable Chittorgarh Fort by the banks on the Berach River south in Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort and the Rana Kumbha Palace stands as a haunting testament to Rajasthan’s turbulent history.

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The foundations of the first signs of a fort were built by the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori in the 8th century and have been built and rebuilt, burned and torn down to be rebuilt again. Through many wars, sieges and inside of the fort there are several temples, palaces and towers thought to be haunted. 

Chittorgarh Fort: The fort was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day city of Chittorgarh. The city is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, from Ajmer, midway between Delhi and Mumbai

The Legend of Queen Padmini

One of the most poignant stories associated with Rana Kumbha Palace is that of Queen Padmini. Rani Padmavati was a princess from Sri Lanka who moved to Chittor after Rawal Rattan Singh won her in marriage. 

She was known for her beauty and many kings wanted her. The king of Kumbhalner Devapal for example is said to have dueled her husband for her hand, where both died. This caused Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi to lay siege on the fort in 1303 for eight months to have her instead.  

Although most historians reject this legend, it is the most retold. Some also claim that the husband died during the siege, some say he surrendered and was pardoned. But what about Padmini, which legend claim was the reason for the siege?

Queen Padmini: An 18th-century painting of Padmini. So many stories have been told about her throughout the years that many claim that she was a historical figure. But what she really, or was she just someone from a story?

To protect their honor from the invading Sultan, Queen Padmini, along with all the other women of the palace, perhaps as many as over a thousand of them, performed Jauhar, a ritual of self-immolation. This means jumping into a big fire instead of facing the shame of being abducted and taken.

They did this when under a threat of the muslim Mughals, as the dead bodies of the women, kafir women in their mind, would be raped and desecrated even after being dead. To burn themselves would at least spare them for this and all women’s bodies would be gone. 

When the Rajputs women and children were pressed into a corner in a fight, they committed Jauhar. Rajput women would wear their wedding dresses in the night and would bring their children to throw them into the sandalwood flames. At the fort there would be three Jauhar throughout the times. 

In 13013 some sources state that 1600 women sacrificed themselves, in 1534 there were 13 000 women doing the same when Bahadur Shah defeated Chittor and in 1568, Phool Kanwarn Rathore did a Jauhar with 7000 women during the reign of Akbar. 

How much of the legend is through though, historians disagree on. The siege itself is a historic event, but if the Hindu Queen Padmini died to escape the massacre of 30 000 Hindus by the Muslim invaders as the legend goes is more uncertain. 

The Ghost of Queen Padmini

The story of this act of ultimate sacrifice has left a spectral mark on the palace. It is believed that the spirits of Queen Padmini and the women who performed Jauhar still haunt the palace grounds, their presence felt in the form of inexplicable phenomena.

According to stories, her ghost is said to have manifested as well and a tale getting passed around online claim to have seen her. A few years ago it is said that a group of friends decided to test their nerves and spend the night at the palace. They say while exploring the big area, one of them clearly heard a woman’s voice begging for help. When they turned, a figure appeared—a woman in royal clothes, her face horribly burned.

Even after all these years, an annual fair known as Jauhar Mela is celebrated every year to honor their sacrifices. It is said that she did it in what is now known as the Rana Kumbha Palace, and according to legend, she is not the only one haunting it. 

The Ghost of Queen Padmini: It is said that when a group of friends went exploring and claimed to have seen the burned ghost of the former queen who threw herself into the flames instead of being captured.

The King Haunting his Castle

The now ruined Rana Kumbha Palace is found at the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, built in plastered stone. A lot of the big events are said to have happened here, and this is the place many referring to being haunted. 

The tragic legend of Queen Padmini is not the only ghost story linked to this palace though, as it is also said that the Maharana of Mewar, Rana Kumbha is haunting it. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

He ruled at the start of the 1500s and transformed the Kingdom of Mewar into a mighty kingdom reaching far and wide, becoming the most powerful state in northern India.

In the war against the Mughals he promised he would not return to Chittor until he had defeated Babur of the Mughal Empire and conquered Dehli. But he never did and was poisoned by his own nobles who didn’t want another war, possibly by his own son, Prince Udaysimha who wanted the throne. 

It is said that ever since, his spirit has been lingering in his palace and visitors claim to have seen the shadowy figure of him passing through the halls.

Visitors to Rana Kumbha Palace often report a variety of paranormal experiences within the walls of the palace’s dilapidated state, with its crumbling walls and remnants of a bygone era. Strange sounds, whispers, and apparitions are commonly cited by those who dare to explore its dark corridors and rooms. 

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References:

Chittor Fort – Wikipedia 

Siege of Chittorgarh (1303) – Wikipedia 

Rani Padmini – Wikipedia 

RANA KUMBHA PLACE – India most haunted place

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information 

8 Most Haunted Places in Rajasthan, India – Exemplore 

The haunting tales of Chittorgarh | Sanskriti – Hinduism and Indian Culture Website 

Best Haunted Places in Rajasthan – You Must Visit 

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The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops: A Haunting Tale on Manali-Leh Road

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A huge pile of trash marks on the side of Manali-Leh Road by the Gata Loops marks the grave and the ghost temple put up for a ghost allegedly haunting the area after dying in a snowstorm. What is the strange story behind The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops?

Are you planning an adventurous road trip from Manali to Leh in the Indian mountains of Himachal Pradesh? Chances are you’ll pass through the famous Gata Loops along the way through the mountainous landscape, a pretty unknown place except for the locals. While this stretch of road is known for its challenging 21 hairpin bends, it also holds a spine-tingling story that travelers often encounter.

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Gata Loops, true to its name, is a series of winding and looping roads that form 21 hairpin bends. Situated on the Manali-Leh road at an elevation of approximately 17,000 feet, these loops stretch over 10.3 kilometers, with each loop spanning between 300-600 meters. However, the last two loops deviate from this pattern, being 800 and 1,000 meters long, respectively.

Gata Loops in the Indian Mountains: Sharp turns, remote mountainous area and treacherous weather can make driving on the Gata Loops on Manali Road dangerous and one particular ghost story about one who died on these roads have given rise to its own ghost temple at the side of the road.

What is the Ghost Temple in Manali

Among the bikers hiking up the mountains, or travelers passing through, they gather around and tell tales of mystery about the area. One of those tales is about the strange Ghost Temple of Gata Loops with a harrowing story behind it. 

A huge pile of trash and plastic water bottles and cigarettes marks the place of the Ghost Temple in Manali at around the 19th bend of the Gata Loops. But what exactly is it, and who is the ghost haunting this particular stretch of road?

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Roads around the world

Exactly when this happened varies according to those that tell it. Some place it in 1999, perhaps an October night. A truck carrying goods found itself in a dire situation as the winters in these parts can be quite treacherous. 

The Ghost Temple of Manali-Leh Road: On the loops of Manali-Leh Road, a pile of trash have collected around the believed ghost temple of a driver that supposedly died and haunts these parts. //Source: The Ghost Of Gata Loops – Vargis Khan

While trucks are known to navigate these loops, for those seeking a less challenging route, shortcuts are available. The steeply elevated roads are wide enough for trucks, making them a preferred choice for transporting goods.

Crossing the treacherous Rohtang Pass during the cold autumn going to winter night when it had already snowed in places, this truck faced mechanical problems and the trucker was unable to fix it. With no help in sight and facing harsh weather conditions, the driver and his assistant helper decided to wait for assistance.

A Desperate Journey

The driver embarked on a challenging walk to the nearest village, Sarchu, to find a mechanic, leaving his unwell helper behind to protect the cargo. However, heavy snowfall held the driver and stopped him from returning.

Several days later, when the weather cleared, the driver returned to find his helpmate’s lifeless body. The severe cold, hunger, and thirst had claimed his life. Local villagers buried the deceased by the road’s 19th bend that soon turned into The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops.

The Ghostly Apparition of The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops

Over the years, travelers reported encountering a young man along their journey who sought water and provisions close to The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. Those who stopped and gave the man a water bottle saw it slipped right through his hands. 

The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops: Source

Believing this figure to be the ghost of the deceased helper, local villagers established a small shrine to placate his spirit. Passersby often leave mineral water and cigarettes at the shrine to prevent potential wrath or calamities along the way.

What happened that winter night is hard to prove or disprove. People are still giving away water to the bricks that make a little clearing by The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. Inside it is a real human skull placed inside. Or so the saying goes at least. 

Regardless, some travelers claim to have experienced the apparition of the ghostly helper around the area of The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. If you dare to venture along this eerie path, tread with caution, but remember that a world of enchanting landscapes awaits you beyond Gata Loops.

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References:

https://gomissing.in/blog/travel/ladakh/ghost-of-gata-loops-other-mysteries-of-leh-ladakh

The Ghost Of The Gata Loops | TDA Global Cycling 

Do you know of the ghost temple on Gata Loops on Manali-Leh Road? | Times of India TravelThe Ghost Of Gata Loops – Vargis Khan

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The Wailing Woman in the Grand Canyon wearing White and Blue

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A grieving wife and mother took her life when her husband and son lost theirs to the Canyon. Now The Wailing Woman is said to haunt the Transept Trail as well as the Grand Canyon Lodge in the northern rim of the park.

As the second most-visited National Park in the vast expanse of the United States, the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona stands as a geological marvel, carved by the hands of time into the rugged landscapes of Arizona. From the depths of its chasms to the heights of its cliffs, the Grand Canyon is a testament to the raw power of nature and the rich tapestry of history woven into its very rocks.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Preserved for posterity in 1919, thanks to the visionary efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Grand Canyon National Park has since become a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking the untamed beauty of the American Southwest. Yet, beneath the sun-drenched vistas and the majestic canyon walls, a ghostly legend lingers—a tale that whispers through the ages, haunting the Transept Trail.

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Wailing Woman Haunting

In the late 1800s or in some versions, in the 1920s, tragedy unfolded on the precipice of the Transept Trail on the North Rim of the park, one of around 50 hiking trails through the canyon. 

Hundreds upon hundreds of people have died in the park, slipping on rocks, exposure, drowning. At least one of these is said to be haunting the park. It started with a father and son, caught unaware by a sudden rainstorm, plummeting to their deaths on the trail. 

Left behind in the wake of this fateful event, the grieving wife succumbed to the depths of despair and took her own life in a lodge.

Legend has it that this sorrowful woman, draped in a white dress, adorned with a blue scarf, and a garland of blue flowers around her neck, now roams the Transept Trail in a translucent form, still looking for her child and husband.

The Transept Trail: The view from the Transept trail on the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon where the Wailing Woman is said to roam. // Source: Daniel Schwen

The ethereal entity, known as the Wailing Woman or the Wandering Woman, casts a haunting silhouette against the crimson hues of the canyon rocks. Hikers and explorers who venture along the Transept Trail speak of encounters with this spectral figure, recounting eerie sightings that blur the lines between the living and the departed. 

The Wailing Woman, true to her name, is often heard crying out in a disembodied voice, her mournful wails echoing through the canyon’s vast emptiness.

The Grand Canyon Lodge

The Wailing Woman is also said to be haunting the very popular Grand Canyon Lodge 8000 feet above water with a good view of the Canyon, and it is said that this is where she took her life. The lodge was first built in 1927, so this version pushed the story to have happened much later than the other versions.  

Read More: Check out more ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

As with the trail she is said to be haunting, The Wailing Woman is often said to wear blue flowers and a scarf over her head when spotted here as well. Either it is a white dress with blue flowers, blue scarfs or blue flowers around her neck. She is not only seen outside though and it is said that if you leave the door open to this day, it will most likely slam shut. 

Grand Canyon Lodge: Cabins by the Grand Canyon Lodge on the Northern Rim of the National Park.

According to the stories, many witnesses saw The Wailing Woman when the lodge burned down on the 1st of September, 1932, as a reminder that she never left, and perhaps never will.

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References:

Grand Canyon Lodge (U.S. National Park Service) 

Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 1 

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The Haunting History of Spike Island

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On the hellish Spike Island that once served as the biggest prison in the British Empire, ghosts are said to linger from its time as a fortress, smugglers den and as the prison it ended up becoming.

Just off the coast of Cobh in Ireland, Spike Island looms as one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and haunted landmarks. Encompassing over 100 acres and boasting a history that stretches back to the 7th century, this island has witnessed centuries of transformation, from a peaceful monastic community to a formidable fortress of British Forces. 

Beneath its serene facade lies a harrowing tale of strategic significance, incarceration, and chilling paranormal encounters.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

From Monastery to Fortress

Saint Mochuda founded a monastery there in the 7th century. In 1779, Spike Island underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a strategic fortress for the British Forces. 

The island’s unique location on the edge of Cork Harbour made it an ideal location for this military outpost. Casements were constructed to house guns aimed squarely at the harbor, serving as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries.

From Fortress to Prison

As the pages of history turned, Spike Island took on a more ominous role. It transitioned into a prison and a holding site for convicts destined for the harsh life of penal colonies abroad. For a few years in the mid 19th century it was probably the biggest prison in the British Empire.  

Spike Island Prison: During the British Empire’s height, this was one of the biggest prisons in it. Here there were people waiting to be transported to Australia, IRA fighters as well as other criminals of all sorts and sentences. They all experienced the gruesome facilities the now haunted prison had to offer. //Source: Sameichel/Wikimedia

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Prisons around the world

During the tumultuous years of the Irish War of Independence, the island served as a detention facility for IRA prisoners until 1921, earning it the ominous nickname of “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

The Woman in White

While Spike Island’s physical role evolved over the years, its haunting history endured. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction akin to Alcatraz, replete with its own spectral inhabitants. One of the most notorious apparitions is the enigmatic “White Woman” who roams the island, her presence shrouded in mystery and who she was we will probably never know. 

The Ghost of the Soldiers

It is said that the haunting goes way back, at least as far back when the island was used as a fortress. The island’s soldiers, on duty in the dead of night, have recounted terrifying encounters with a ghostly officer. 

According to them, there is the ghost of a terrifying soldier, still on guard. Along the island’s perimeter walls, a phantom soldier stands guard, his eyes replaced by hollow voids that seem to peer into the abyss with his black holes as eyes.

People have been so frightened at this ghost that they have even opened fire at him, only to realize they are shooting at nothing. 

The Haunted Prison and the Ghost of John Mitchel

Within the confines of the gaol cells, where countless inmates once suffered, now simmer with paranormal activity, a testament to the enduring anguish of those who served time behind its cold stone walls they were confined to almost all day and night. 

John Mitchel: His activism and criticism of British rule garnered international attention and was convicted for treason.

One of the prisoners thought to haunt the prison is that of John Mitchel that apparently shows up in a white mist, although he did get released from the prison island.

John Mitchel was a prominent figure in Irish nationalism during the 19th century. Born in County Derry in 1815, he became a leading member of the ‘Young Irelander’ and ‘Irish Confederation’ movements. He was a solicitor, political journalist, and an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland, especially during the Irish famine.

To silence Mitchel and prevent him from becoming a martyr, the British government passed the 1848 Treason Felony Act, which aimed to treat treason as a common crime. Mitchel was arrested and convicted of sedition under this act, receiving a fourteen-year transportation sentence. He was first sent to Spike Island in Ireland for three days before being transferred to Bermuda and eventually Australia in 1850.

During his journey, Mitchel began writing his famous ‘Jail Journal; or ‘Five Years in British Prisons,’ documenting his experiences from Dublin to New York, where he arrived in 1853. The journal, first published in 1854 in New York, exposed the harsh conditions in some prisons, including Spike Island, and garnered international attention.

The fort on Spike Island was renamed Fort Mitchel in his honor in 1951, and some GAA clubs in Ireland and sites in America bear his name.

The Haunted Cell 9

The most haunted cell was cell 9, that was known to be haunted, even when the building operated as a prison, and prisoners refused to stay in it as they never got a night’s sleep because of the haunting. They were either woken up, or flung from their bed. 

The Haunted Cells: Many of the cells in the prison on Spike Island is said to be haunted. It is said that the place was even haunted when it was used as a prison. //Source: Kondephy/Wikimedia

Spike Island’s Echoes of the Past

Spike Island’s haunting history, from its monastic beginnings to its turbulent tenure as a military fortress and prison, continues to cast its eerie shadow over this enigmatic landmark. The spectral White Woman, the phantom soldier, and the ghostly officer are but a few of the restless souls who wander its haunted grounds, ensuring that the island’s chilling past remains alive and well, for those daring enough to explore its dark history.

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References:

John Mitchel – Spike Island Cork 

Ghost stories, haunted cells, horrific history at Cork’s Spike Island After Dark tours 

Ireland’s 7 Most Haunted And Mysterious Islands | Spooky Isles Spike Island | Haunted Cobh, Cork, Ireland | Spirited Isle