The Ghosts of Shaniwarwada Fort: Pune’s Most Haunted Fortress



Shaniwarwada Fort, an iconic 18th-century stronghold in Pune, India, is famous for its majestic architecture, rich history, and tragic past. Built in 1732 by the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, it once stood as a symbol of power and grandeur. However, beneath its historical glory lies a darker tale of betrayal, murder, and ghostly hauntings. Many believe that spirits still roam the ruins of Shaniwarwada, making it one of India’s most haunted places. Locals and visitors have reported chilling screams, eerie apparitions, and unexplainable paranormal activity, especially on full moon nights.

A History of Power and Tragedy

Shaniwarwada Fort was originally constructed as a lavish palace for the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. Over the years, it witnessed political intrigue, violent battles, and betrayals.

The most infamous tragedy linked to the fort is the murder of Narayanrao Peshwa, an event that allegedly gave rise to its hauntings.

The Brutal Assassination of Narayanrao Peshwa

In 1773, Narayanrao, the 18-year-old Peshwa ruler, was brutally killed inside Shaniwarwada under shocking circumstances. His own relatives plotted against him, with his uncle, Raghunathrao, and aunt, Anandibai, being the masterminds.

According to legend, Narayanrao was dragged through the fort by assassins, screaming for help. His final cries of "Kaka, mala vachva!" (Marathi for "Uncle, save me!") echoed through the palace as he was slaughtered. Many believe that his tortured spirit still lingers, unable to find peace.

Paranormal Activity at Shaniwarwada Fort

The Ghostly Cries of Narayanrao

The most famous and chilling paranormal occurrence at Shaniwarwada is the bloodcurdling screams of Narayanrao.

Visitors and guards claim that on full moon nights, his desperate cries for help can still be heard, haunting the corridors and open courtyards. Some have even reported feeling a sudden wave of sadness and fear, as if reliving the tragic moment.

Due to these terrifying occurrences, locals avoid the fort after dark, and it is generally closed to visitors at night.

Shadowy Figures and Unseen Entities

Aside from Narayanrao’s ghost, people have witnessed shadowy figures moving along the walls of the fort. Some paranormal investigators claim to have experienced:

• Unexplained flickering lights and temperature drops in certain areas.
• Doors and windows banging shut on their own, despite there being no wind.
• A strong, unsettling presence near the ruins, as if someone is watching.

The Fire of 1828 and the Spirits of the Past

In 1828, a massive fire destroyed most of the fort, leaving it in ruins. The cause of the fire remains a mystery, but some believe it unleashed even more paranormal activity. Some theories suggest that the spirits of those who perished in the fire still wander the remains, their whispers carried by the wind through the fort’s corridors.

Visitors’ Experiences and Paranormal Investigations

Despite its haunted reputation, Shaniwarwada remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Many visitors claim to have experienced:

• The feeling of being followed or touched when no one is there.
• Unexplained voices and whispers in the air.
• Strange apparitions appearing in photos taken at night.
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Paranormal investigators have attempted to record EVP (electronic voice phenomena) and conduct ghost hunts, with some claiming to capture whispers and eerie sounds.

Shaniwarwada: A Place of History and Mystery

With its tragic past and numerous ghost stories, Shaniwarwada Fort stands as a place where history and the supernatural intertwine. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories of Narayanrao’s cries, shadowy apparitions, and eerie happenings continue to captivate those who visit.