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Myths are stories passed down from one generation to the next about different occurrences of supernatural origin or type which provide a source of literature. Mythological study helps in correlating the past with the present to get an estimate of how things changed over time. In some cases, the myths can act as stories but in some other instances, they may help in providing a base for scientific or cultural development. Many stories exude basic values of humanity like love, respect, and promises, which are exhibited by different mythological figures.
India is home to many of the greatest mythological epics which had their fair share of supernatural beings with unsurmountable powers and also superhumans which showed inexplicable strength, intelligence, dedication, and many positive virtues. The epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata have many different protagonists and antagonists which paved the way for establishing how good always prevails over evil.
As one traverses throughout India, the cultural and mythological diversity is such that each and every village has their own unique stories which have been passed on for centuries. Be it related to Gods and Goddesses or maybe ghosts and spirits. These stories provide thrill, and curiosity and help one glimpse into the past of that place. Such closeness between reality and fiction/ myths is one of the underlying reasons why Sariska is famous throughout India. Apart from being an important wildlife sanctuary and home to many different flora and fauna species, Sariska displays close encounters with living proof that the mythological connection is strong. Mentioned below are some of the most spread-out myths built and nurtured in Sariska which piques the enthusiasm of each individual.
Neelkanth Temple
A Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; it is located on top of an isolated hill near Sariska Tiger Reserve. It is said to have been built by Maharajadhiraja Parmeshwar Mathanadeva (a Gujar Pratihara) between the 6th and 9th century BC and can only be accessed via a steep track with many sharp twists and turns. The main temple (rangamandapa) stands on 4 pillars which consist of 3 pancharathas housing the idols of 3 different deities. Out of the 3 pancharathas, the 2 on the sides have been destroyed by the Mughal army during their invasion.
The middle pancharathas are intact with the Shiva Linga and shikhara intact. According to the tales, these panchayats survived as the Mughal army was forced to flee after being attacked by hordes of angry bees. The temple has many sculptures, including erotic ones that follow the Khajuraho style. The name Khajuraho, or Kharjuravāhaka, is derived from ancient Sanskrit (kharjura, means date palm, and vāhaka, means one who carries or bearer). Local legends state that the temples had 2 golden date palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for the deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).
Bhartrihari Temple
A temple that houses the samadhi of Shri Bharthar (the then-ruler of Ujjain). The temple is more than a thousand years old and is visited by devotees from all over Rajasthan. There are plenty of myths about the Maharaja Bharthari. The myth unfolds as there was Asadhuin the city of Ujjain who after meditating for years received the fruit of immortality from the Kalpavriksha. To express his loyalty towards the then king of Ujjain (Maharaja Bharthari), the sadhu gifted this fruit to the king. The king then gifted this fruit to his wife, Queen Rani Pingala. Then the queen passed this fruit to her lover, a state official of Ujjain. This state official gave this fruit to his wife Lakha. Lakha then presented this fruit back to Maharaja Bharthari.
The king realizing his wife’s disloyalty towards him ate the fruit and became immortal and wise. He gave up the kingdom in grief became a sadhu and started searching for salvation. A serious drought hit Ujjain thereafter. Many villagers who still were loyal towards Maharaja Bharthari, rushed towards him for help. After listening to their cries for help and despair, Maharaja Bharthari started meditating, praying to God for water. After listening to his sincerity and devotion, God became happy and a rivulet appeared from the rock on which he was meditating. The villagers stopped calling him Maharaja, and now he was known as Baba Bhartrihari who then buried himself at the very place where the temple stands today.
Talvriksha
A natural hot water spring located near Narayanpur in Alwar, this spring has water which is rich in Sulphur content and is said to have healing effects. As per the myth, a long time ago, the then-king of Alwar hunted a tiger at Talvriksha and took away his head as a trophy. That night, in the king’s dream, a saint appeared and accused him of killing him while meditating and roaming the jungle of Talvriksha in the form of a tiger. After this scary dream, the king called his ministers and called many saints for his help. They suggested holding a yagya and observing fast for 10 days. The king followed this and then returned the trophy to the temple of the saint. Ever since the head has been a part of the temple and to this day remains here. A spring lies close to this temple which has a holy tree, named Talvriksha. Many visitors reach here to take a dip in the hot spring, as people say the water treats patients suffering from rheumatic pain.
Bhangarh Fort
The Bhangarh Fort was built by King Bhagwant Das Singh for his younger son Madho Singh. It was built in the 16th century and is said to be Asia’s most haunted place. According to popular legends, the Bhangarh fort is affected by a curse spewed by a saint named Guru Balu Nath. The spot where the fort stands right now was used by the saint as a meditating spot. The then king pleaded to the saint that he wanted to build a fort as it was the highest point of the region. The saint refused and said to build a fort elsewhere. The king agreed, but the saint ordered the king that the fort should not block the sunrise and sunset view and no shadow should fall upon the saint while meditating. But the king ignored these orders and built the fort anyway. The saint angered by this cursed the king’s kingdom saying that the fort would fall and crumble destroying the village altogether. After this the saint left, and the kingdom was attacked by enemies. They destroyed the fort and the village leading to numerous deaths.
As per the locals, the voices of the villagers who died that day can still be heard within the fort’s vicinity and premises after dusk and before dawn. There have been instances where many people have disappeared who tried to test the spooky part of the fort. Due to this, the fort is closed for everyone from sunset to sunrise.
