Tag Archives: India

Ghost of the Dombivli Railway Station that wants to go Home

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Some of the busiest railway stations can also be the most dangerous. Dombivli Railway Station is said to be haunted by the people that tried to make it home, but never got off the tracks.

Dombivli Railway Station stands as both a vital transport hub and a chilling portal to the unknown according to the local legends. It is an old station and was built in 1886. Amidst the hustle and bustle of commuters and trains, whispers of paranormal activity linger like a haunting melody from the platforms.

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

Dombivli itself is a suburban city by the Ulhas river in Maharashtra outside of Mumbai where a lot of people are passing by. The station is also the busiest railway station on the Central line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway with five platforms and over 300 thousands of commuters daily. 

Death By Crossing the Tracks

Close by the bigger station in Dombivli you will find Kopar Rail Crossing—a seemingly innocuous intersection that belies its sinister reputation. According to local lore, this crossing has claimed the lives of many unfortunate souls. Before they built a bridge over the crossings, trespassing over the tracks claimed over hundreds of lives each year around the surrounding stations. 

Kopar Station is another stop in Dombivli city and the locals claim there is another paranormal reason for all of these deaths. According to some, there is an evil spirit around this place that lures people on the tracks. They say that they lose their consciousness and walk to the middle of the tracks without a reason to wait for the oncoming train.

Some say that the ghost is from one of these crossing incidents. Other variations say that she is waiting for the trail to arrive at the station. 

Deadly Crossing: The crossing over this train station is said to be very dangerous. Some say that the victims that were hit crossing the tracks are haunting the place. Some say that the place itself has a weird energy that draws people out on the tracks. // Source

The Crying Woman on the Platform

But back to the Dombivli Railway Station itself that are haunted by more than one ghost. There is one ghost story from this stop that are told more than the others:

One chilling account tells of a man on the trains late at night, who encountered a mysterious woman at the platform or crossing, depending on the different sources telling the story. Appearing to be in her forties or fifties in an office outfit, the woman was seen weeping inconsolably. When questioned about why she was crying and if she needed any help, she said she wanted to go home, but couldn’t.

The man returned to Dombivli Railway Station the next day with a friend, and saw the same woman crying. He tried to discuss it with his friend, but to his utter bewilderment, the friend couldn’t see the woman at all. 

The Haunting at Dombivli Railway Station

Commuters talk about not only the story about the crying woman on the platform at Dombivli Railway Station, but a sense of a strange energy seeming to stay on the overcrowded station. 

There are also said to be heard some strange and scary wailing that are echoing through the haunted station. When the haunted rumors really started circulating about Dombivli Railway Station is hard to pinpoint. The earliest sources online at least come from 2014 (at least the earlier English sources.)

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References:

https://hauntingindia.blogspot.com/2015/10/top-10-haunted-places-in-dombivli.html

Track accidents fail to curb trespassing at Kopar railway station | Mumbai news – Hindustan Times 

Dombivli – Wikipedia 

Calcutta High Court and the Ghost Seeking Justice

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The sound of anklets is heard throughout the old building of Calcutta High Court, thought to be the ghost of a woman who is still seeking justice in her afterlife. 

In Kolkata, lies the imposing edifice of Calcutta High Court in its red colored colonial architecture. While by day it’s suppose to serve as a symbol of justice and legal proceedings, by night, whispers abound of spectral apparitions and eerie phenomena that haunt its corridors. 

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

The building was built in 1872, ten years after the court itself was established. Calcutta High Court is the oldest high court in India. Among the most chilling tales is that of the ghosts of convicts, their restless spirits lingering within the court’s walls, the story about the ghost of the woman wearing anklets is looming larger than the rest.

Calcutta High Court: With its recognizable red building, the Calcutta High Court is thought to be haunted and is said to house more than one ghost. //Source: Wikimedia

The Headless Woman Haunting Calcutta High Court

Among these tormented spirits, none are more feared than the ghost of a convict who met her fate at the gallows. Legend has it that her execution was a spectacle witnessed by scores of onlookers. In death, her presence lingers, her restless spirit haunting the very courtroom where his fate was sealed.

Witnesses who venture into Calcutta High Court after dark speak of chilling encounters with the convict’s ghost. Most stories come from those that have worked at the court for years. Some claim to have heard his disembodied cries echoing through the empty corridors, while others swear they’ve seen his phantom form lurking in the shadows. 

Perhaps most notably is the sound of her steps, as you can hear the sound of her ankle bracelets as she walks down the corridors. When they see her though, they see that she is missing her head. 

There is one story told from two people that worked at the court, Manamohan and Vajahari Paitandi. It was a winter night and they were working later than the rest. Manamohan went to the toilet that was at the end of a long and dark corridor. That is when he heard the sound of the ankle bracelets. 

When Vajahari went to find his college, he found him lying on the floor. A woman was sitting beside him, trying to wake him by splashing water in his face. It was the headless ghost and she just disappeared when Vajahari came closer. He managed to wake him and together they ran out of the place.

The Prostitute Seeking Justice

Haunted Hallways: Several of the staff members claim to have seen the ghost of the headless woman haunting the halls. //Source: Wikimedia

But who was this woman who was haunting the halls without her head? If we are to believe the stories, she was a prostitute named Nistar Raut. She wanted to start fresh and remove her name from the registered sex workers. 

She had fallen in love with Shalikhram, a businessman dealing with diamonds and wanted to marry him. The judges of the court didn’t like this though, as she was a beautiful woman. They didn’t want to lose access to her and the men tried to talk her out of it. She refused though and they turned their eye on Shalikhram. 

He too refused to listen to them and one of her former clients, a very influential man, accused the couple for a robbery and he was arrested in 1881. 

What really happened after this is a bit of a mystery. The police found Nistar’s body after a few days in the garden of her lover with her head cut off. She wore nothing except for her ankle bracelets. 

After this, it is said that her ghost is still roaming the court that denied her the life that she wanted for herself. 

The Ghost Looking for Water

But the headless woman is not the only ghost said to haunt Calcutta High Court. From the eerie sound of rattling chains to inexplicable cold drafts that chill the air, countless reports of paranormal activity have fueled the court’s reputation as a hotbed of supernatural phenomena. 

Another ghost said to roam is the 19th century poet Tapis. He had protested against the British East India Company and the oppression the Indian people faced under colonial rule. He was imprisoned and denied water and food for a long time. 

He was eventually executed after a long time without anything to drink. After his death, the rumor about him haunting the court started to spread where they said that the ghost of Tapis was searching for water. 

The Haunted Room No. 11 at Calcutta High Court

The haunting is said to happen around the whole court, but is especially concentrated inside of a particular room. Room No. 11 has over the years seen many convicts receiving the death sentence. 

Both notorious criminals and Indian revolutionaries are said to have been walked through a secret tunnel below the room to court and there are many people that claim that something paranormal is happening both inside as well as outside of the room. 

Policemen on duty don’t want to be put on guard outside of Room 11, some claiming to have seen the ghosts of prisoners sitting on the benches outside and walking in the corridors. 

So, the next time you find yourself near Calcutta High Court after dusk falls and the city sleeps, tread carefully and listen closely—for you may just hear the whispers of the convicts’ ghosts, their tales of sorrow and despair echoing through the hallowed halls of justice.

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References:

Featured Image: Paul Hamilton/Wikimedia

Ghostbusters coming to Calcutta High Court to probe haunting spirits 

The Most Haunted Places To Avoid After Midnight In Kolkata 

The ghost who loved: Tinkle of anklets from the corridors of Calcutta High Court

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.

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

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 

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 

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.

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

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 

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

The Haunted Mystique of Chand Baori and the Djinns Building the Stepwell

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One of the oldest and deepest stepwells in India, Chand Baori are said to have been built over the course of a night by djinns. Still to this day, the cool and dark place is said to be haunted by something. 

In the quiet village of Abhaneri in the eastern Dausa district of Rajasthan, Chand Baori stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of ancient India. Built during the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty, this ancient stepwell is one of the deepest and largest in the country, although not always the easiest to find.

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

Its haunting beauty and the eerie ambiance is also supposed to be one of the oldest and largest stepwells in the world and have earned it a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in Rajasthan, drawing curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Photo by AXP Photography on Pexels.com

Architectural Marvel with a Dark Side

Chand Baori is an architectural marvel, featuring 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a precise geometrical pattern, descending 13 stories deep into the silent depth of the earth. The walls have images like Sheshasayee Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta and Mahishasuramardini. On the sides there are shrines to Ganesha. According to legends, there are also tunnels connecting Abhaneri to Dausa.

These stepwells served many purposes as well as getting water, being a place for gatherings of religious and ceremonial activities among others. 

The structure’s desolate appearance, combined with the echoes of footsteps reverberating through the empty well, contribute to its haunting reputation. All the way on the bottom the air is about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface. The sense of isolation and the shadows cast by the ancient stones create an eerie atmosphere, especially during the evenings or on cloudy days.

Photo by Yohantha Gunawarna on Pexels.com

Legends and Paranormal Tales of Chand Baori

Local legends whisper of spirits and djinns that are said to haunt Chand Baori. According to folklore, the stepwell was constructed overnight by spirits, and those who disturb its tranquility risk invoking their wrath. 

Visitors and locals alike have reported strange occurrences, from sudden drops in temperature to the feeling of being watched. There are also those who claim that they get a sudden feeling of being nauseous as they descend down the stairs.

The stillness and darkness within the depths of Chand Baori can be unsettling. Some visitors claim to have heard whispers and footsteps echoing in the silent corridors, while others report seeing shadowy figures lurking in the corners of the well. 

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References:

Chand Baori haunted | Times of India Travel

Chand Baori – Wikipedia

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel in India’s Hills

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Amidst the green hills is the red Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel which are said to be haunted by people that have stayed there. There are many legends, and there are even rumors that the hotel had to close down for a while because of the paranormal activity going on. 

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, lies the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel, a luxurious resort that boasts picturesque views of the lush Nilgiri Mountains covered in blue Kurunji flowers in Ooty town, known as “Queen of Hill Stations” in the country. 

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

Many have reported strange sightings and supernatural occurrences within the Swiss styled hotel’s walls, leading to its reputation as one of India’s most mysterious and haunted destinations. 

Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel: The old hotel is thought to be haunted. This rumor gre popular especially after a horror movie was set there and when the crew claimed to have experienced strange things during filming. // Source

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

The most famous ghost story retold from the hotel comes from a Bollywood production. In 2002, the Bollywood dance choreographer Saroj Khan traveled to Ooty to shoot the movie, Raaz. She and her troupe checked into the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel and expected a relaxing night. During the night however, they were kept awake by the people upstairs where it sounded like they were rearranging the furniture, making such a ruckus that they couldn’t sleep. 

They called the receptionist, but there was no answer, like the phone was dead. They endured the night with all the moving upstairs without making any more fuss, and the next day they complained about it to the receptionist. 

The receptionist was confused and said: But there is no floor upstairs, and even took the time to show them from the outside when they all became confused. Indeed, there was no room above them. But what then, had kept them up all night?

The History of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

But let’s have a look at the hotel’s history to understand where the haunted rumors could come from. The Fern Hill Hotel, formerly known as the Palace Hotel, was built in 1844 as the summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The Swiss Chalet gives it an alpine look where it sits in the lush greenery of cardamom and tea plantations. 

The hotel was also initially used as a summer retreat for British officials during the British Raj era and their families as an escape from the heat from the humid plains of the Madras Presidency to the much cooler climate. 

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

It was later converted into a hotel in the 1920s and was renamed the Fern Hill Hotel. The hotel has since undergone several renovations and is now a luxurious resort that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Activity

Over the years, many strange events have been reported at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Guests and staff members have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a presence in their rooms. 

There are several theories behind the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Some believe that the hotel was built on land that was once a burial ground, which has caused the spirits of the dead to haunt the hotel. 

Others believe that the haunting are a result of the hotel’s dark history, which includes the deaths of several guests and staff members. One rumor of a particular woman who committed suicide at the hotel has been widely spread as well. 

The Controversy Surrounding Fern Hill Hotel

Despite its haunted reputation, there are some who believe that the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel are nothing more than a hoax. Some skeptics have pointed out that the hotel has a financial incentive to promote its haunted reputation, as it attracts visitors and increases revenue. 

As for the filming of the movie Raaz and what the dance troupe experienced during their night, it is worth noting that the movie is actually a supernatural horror movie, and that the stories of the haunted room upstairs that didn’t exist was all rumored to be a part of the movie promotion. 

For a long time the hotel closed down in March 2018. The official reason is that they closed down for renovation. Many claimed it was because of the haunted rumors that had started to accumulate around the hotel and the many incidents of paranormal activity. It has reopened again now however, the question is, with or without ghosts?

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References:

The Fernhills Palace, Ooty – Wikipedia 

Most Haunted Places in Ooty and Their Spooky Stories 

Secrets behind Raaz and more… | Bollywood – Hindustan Times  

Raaz (2002 film) – Wikipedia

Ghostbusting goals: the most haunted hotels in India 

Taking a Bath to get Rid of Ghosts at Sudhabay Kund

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An annual festival or fair according to the Hindu calendar tells that by taking a bath in the well of Sudhabay Kund you can rid yourself of evil spirits and pain inflicted by ghosts.  

In the spiritual heartland of Pushkar, Rajasthan, Sudhabay Kund is a place steeped in ancient lore and haunting mysteries. Known for its profound association with Lord Brahma and the sacred rituals that have been performed here for centuries. It is said that the water in this miraculous well known as Sudhabay Kund can help rid your body against any problems and pain caused by spirits and ghosts. 

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

Each year on special days according to the Hindu calendar, Sudhabay Kund becomes the epicenter of a unique and eerie event: the “Ghost Fair,” where the supernatural meets the spiritual, creating an atmosphere that is both mystical and spine-chilling.

Historical and Spiritual Significance of Sudhabay Kund

Sudhabay Kund is situated near the revered Brahma Temple 4 kilometers from Pushkar, a town that holds a unique place in Hindu mythology as the site of one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. 

According to legend, the Kund was formed when Lord Brahma struck the ground with his divine weapon during an ancient yagna (sacred ritual), resulting in the creation of this sacred water body. The Kund has since been considered a holy site where the divine and mortal worlds intersect.

Cleansing for Ghosts: at the well Sudhabay Kund there is an annual happening where people gather to have a dip in the well to rid themselves of ghosts.

The Ghost Fair: An Annual Spectacle of the Supernatural

What sets Sudhabay Kund apart from other sacred sites is its annual “Ghost Fair,” an event unlike any other. This fair, which takes place during specific astrological alignments according to the Hindu calendar—often on the fourth day of the waxing moon and Tuesday—draws people from far and wide seeking liberation from spiritual afflictions. 

During the fair, unusual and eerie rituals dominate the scene. The air is thick with chants and the fervent prayers of those seeking relief from ghostly possessions and negative energies. Exorcisms are performed in plain view, adding to the haunted ambiance of the fair. The sight of individuals writhing and convulsing as they are “cleansed” of spirits is both unsettling and captivating, drawing large crowds who come to witness these otherworldly events.

A person enters the well and the spirit is said to start screaming and reveals its name as the priests around recite mantras, releasing the body. 

The waters of Sudhabay Kund are considered especially potent during the fair. Locals and visitors alike believe that taking a dip in the lake after witnessing the ghostly rituals offers protection from malevolent forces and purifies the soul. This transformative experience is said to rid one of spiritual burdens and bring peace.

A Gathering for Ancestral Solace

Beyond the eerie spectacle of exorcisms, the Ghost Fair also serves a deeply spiritual purpose. Many come to perform ancestral rituals such as Pind Dan and Tarpan, seeking solace for their departed loved ones and the queues for it can be long. 

Read Also: This is not the only happening around ghost though. Check out The Obon Celebration – The Ghost Festival and Halloween Traditions Across the World

These rituals, believed to ensure peace for the souls of the deceased, add another layer of solemnity to the fair. Devotees hope that by performing these rites at Sudhabay Kund, they can bring happiness and tranquility to their families.

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References:

Sudhabay Kund Pushkar: A Spiritual Destination for Pind Dan & Liberation from Ghostly Troubles

https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/history-of-sudhabay-kund-in-pushkar-ajmer-4400848

सुधाबाय में भरा भूत प्रेत का मेला, गया कुंड में स्नान के लिए उमड़ी श्रद्धालुओं की भीड – Morning News India 

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information

The Mystery of the Bird Suicides in Jatinga, Assam

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Known as the Valley of Death, the little town of Jatinga in Assam is the place of an annual mass death of birds that has puzzled scientists for years. The locals have long thought the seemingly suicidal birds were angry spirits from the sky come to torment them. 

Deep in the heart of the Dima Hasao district of Assam lies a small village shrouded in mystery and surrounded by eerie legends. This is Jatinga, a place where birds fall from the sky in droves, and strange lights flicker in the darkness. For years, scientists, researchers, poets and curious visitors have tried to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic village, but the truth remains elusive. 

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

Some believe the small town of Jatinga with only 2500 people is a cursed place, haunted by the spirits of the dead. Others claim that it is a vortex of strange energies that attract birds and other creatures to their doom. 

The Mystery of Jatinga: Birds committing suicide

Jatinga is known for its strange phenomenon of birds committing suicide and it has at least been happening for over a century. Every year, during the months of August to November, between 7 pm to 10 pm, hundreds of birds come crashing down to the ground in Jatinga. It is said it happens mostly on moonless and foggy dark nights.

The Birds of Assam: Jatinga in Assam, India has long been known as the Bermuda Triangle of Birds. The strange case of countless of birds seemingly plummeting to their death has puzzled scientists for years.

It is a bizarre sight that has puzzled researchers for years. The birds that are affected are usually night migratory species that come from the Himalayan ranges. The birds that are affected by this phenomenon include the tiger bunting, black bittern, and little egret, amongst others.

Theories Behind the Bird Suicides

The local tribals first took this natural phenomenon to be spirits flying from the sky to terrorize them and is also believed to be behind killing many of those that have plunged to death with bamboo poles. Many studies over the years have dispelled the bird suicide theory, but says it is actually the village on a killing spree of the birds to eat them. 

There have been many theories behind the bird suicides in Jatinga. Some people believe that the birds are attracted to the lights in the village and become disoriented, leading to their deaths. It could also be the wind that makes them go towards the lights as safety but are hit with bamboo poles on their way down and killed. 

Others believe that the birds are driven to suicide by a magnetic force that emanates from the hills surrounding Jatinga. However, none of these theories have been scientifically proven.

Legends and Myths Associated with Jatinga

Jatinga is steeped in legends and myths that add to its enigmatic aura. One of the most popular legends associated with Jatinga is that it is a cursed place. It is also said that this is why the villagers set up the bamboo poles, who feared the birds that they thought were evil spirits sent from the sky to cause them harm and it was meant as more of a protective measurement when the birds got attracted to the lights from the village. Or whatever that is making the birds drop from the sky that is.  

The Green Country: Assam at the eastern foot of the Himalayas is often associated with mysteries and mythical tales and the hill village of Jatinga is just one of them. The place is also known for its diversity of faun and flora.

According to the legend, a powerful witch cursed the village, causing the birds to fall from the sky. The witch is said to have been angered by the villagers who refused to help her when she was in need. Another legend states that Jatinga is the gateway to the underworld, and the birds that fall from the sky are the spirits of the dead trying to communicate with the living.

The Enduring Mystery of Jatinga

Jatinga is a place that continues to baffle scientists, researchers, and visitors alike. Its strange phenomenon of bird suicides, haunted places, and legends have made it an enigmatic destination that draws people from all over the world. While the truth behind the mysteries of Jatinga may never be fully understood, one thing is for sure: it is a place that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to explore its secrets.

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References:

Jatinga Dima Hasao Assam – Best Place for Bird Watching in Assam 

A Mystery Yet To Be Uncovered! Birds Have Committed Suicide In This Assam Village Every Year Since Centuries 

Jatinga – Wikipedia

A Tiny Village Called Jatinga In Assam Is One Of The Creepiest Places on Earth