The queen is said to haunt the Rana Kumbha Palace and Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India. Legend has it that she jumped into a fire to escape invaders, and visitors report seeing a ghost with a burned face.
Within the impressive grounds of Chittorgarh Fort, situated on the banks of the Berach River in southern Rajasthan, lies the Chittorgarh Fort and Rana Kumbha Palace, a poignant testimony to Rajasthan's turbulent history.
The foundations of the first signs of the fort were built by the Maurya ruler, Chitrangada Mori in the 8th century and have been built and rebuilt, burned and demolished, only to be rebuilt again. Through many wars, sieges and inside the fort are several temples, palaces and towers that are believed to be haunted.
The Legend of Queen Padmini
One of the most moving stories associated with the Rana Kumbha Palace is that of Queen Padmini. Rani Padmavati was a Sri Lankan princess who moved to Chittor after Rawal Rattan Singh married her.
She was known for her beauty and many kings desired her. For example, King Kumbhalner Devapal was said to have fought a duel with her husband for her hand in marriage, in which both were killed. This caused Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, to besiege the fort in 1303 for eight months to win her.
Although most historians reject this legend, it is the most commonly told. Some also claim that the husband died during the siege, others that he surrendered and was pardoned. But what about Padmini, who legend claims was the reason for the siege?
To protect her honor from the invading sultan, Queen Padmini, along with all the other women of the palace, perhaps more than a thousand, performed Jauhar, the ritual of self-immolation. This means jumping into a immense fire rather than face the shame of being kidnapped and taken away.
They did this under threat from the Muslim Mughals because the bodies of dead women, kafir women in their minds, were being raped and desecrated even after death. Burning them would at least spare them from this, and all the women's bodies would disappear.
When Rajput women and children were cornered in battle, they committed Jauhar. Rajput women would put on their wedding dresses at night and bring their children to throw them into the sandalwood flames. Three Jauhars were held in the fort at any one time.
Some sources say that in 13013, 1,600 women sacrificed themselves, in 1534, when Bahadur Shah conquered Chittor, 13,000 women sacrificed themselves and in 1568, during Akbar's reign, Phool Kanwarn Rathore performed Jauhar with the participation of 7,000 women.
How much of this legend has been confirmed, however, historians disagree. The siege itself is a historical event, but whether the Hindu queen Padmini died fleeing a massacre of 30,000 Hindus by Muslim invaders, as the legend goes, is less certain.
Queen Padmini's Ghost
The story of this act of ultimate sacrifice has left a ghostly mark on the palace. It is believed that the spirits of Queen Padmini and the women who performed the Jauhar still haunt the palace grounds, their presence felt in the form of unexplainable phenomena.
According to the story, her spirit also appeared, and a story circulating online claims that he saw her. A few years ago, a group of friends decided to test their nerves and spend a night in the palace. They say that while exploring the immense area, one of them clearly heard the voice of a woman pleading for assist. When they turned around, a figure appeared – a woman in royal robes, her face badly burned.
Even after all these years, an annual fair known as Jauhar Mela is held every year to celebrate their sacrifice. It is said that she did so at the place now known as the Rana Kumbha Palace, and according to legend, she is not the only one who haunts it.
The King Visiting His Castle
The now ruined Rana Kumbha Palace is located at the entrance gate near Vijaya Stamba, built of plastered stone. Many vital events are said to have taken place here, and it is a place that many say is haunted.
The tragic legend of Queen Padmini is not the only ghost story associated with this palace, however. It is also said to be haunted by the Maharaja of Mewar, Rana Kumbha.
He ruled in the early 16th century and transformed the Kingdom of Mewar into a powerful, far-reaching kingdom, becoming the most powerful state in northern India.
During the Mughal War, he promised not to return to Chittor until he had defeated Babur of the Mughal Empire and conquered Delhi. However, he never did so and was poisoned by his own nobles who did not want another war, probably by his own son, Prince Udaysimha, who wanted the throne.
His spirit is said to have resided in the palace ever since, and visitors have claimed to have seen his shadowy figure walking the corridors.
Visitors to the Rana Kumbha Palace often report various paranormal experiences within the walls of the run-down palace, with its crumbling walls and remnants of a bygone era. Strange sounds, whispers and apparitions are commonly reported by those who have ventured to explore its gloomy corridors and rooms.
References:
Siege of Chittorgarh (1303) – Wikipedia
RANA KUMBHA PLACE – the most haunted place in India
7 Haunted Places To Visit In Rajasthan: Complete Information
8 Most Haunted Places in Rajasthan, India – Exemplore
Heartwarming Tales from Chittorgarh | Sanskriti – A Website About Hinduism and Indian Culture
Top Haunted Places In Rajasthan – Must Visit
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