Gopinath temple has beautiful architecture with some of the nail-biting precision of sculptors. Gargoyles, ancient carvings, representation of old deities can be found on the walls outside. Inside, there is no idol of god! In the main temple area, broken carvings of Lord Ganesha are only blessed parts, if you can call one. Just as I was moving out, a mob of school students appeared out of nowhere who were excited to be there and wanted to get clicked. They were kids from nearby village on a small excursion to Bhangarh in evening. In daytime, fort is a good picnic spot will lush green open grounds and crazy number of langurs.
The fort and the ground outside had many people, 50-60 in total, and most of them were set to leave as it was hot out there. By the time I reached the top of ruins, it was already 5pm. The fort closes at 6, and guards begin the evacuation process by 5.30pm. The top floor is all debris, as if something crashed on it and demolished everything. The condition make you believe, that first story of Guru Balu Nath, whose temple is visible on right hill, fits in the jigsaw. From the top, one can see whole mountain range which is a part of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Following the ridge, Tigers and Leopards, often enter the fort in summer, in search of water.
Speaking to locals from nearby villages will get you a host of newer, stranger myths and legends. But what is widely accepted as true is that a few fatal accidents have taken place in the fort in the past, mostly involving tourists, which prompted the Archaeological Survey of India to post its sign prohibiting visitors between sunset and sunrise. However, spending full nights in the haunted fort premises is still an adventure people partake in almost too frequently.
On entering the fort, we saw many temples and palaces, but they were not in the best of condition. We explored the place for a bit and decided on a hiding spot in the fort just before dusk. No one came to check. It seemed like the difficult part was over, now it was simply rolling the camera and recording. I was so, so wrong. If only I knew of the horrors that awaited us.