Banasura Fort, also known as Kotgarh Fort, is located in Lohaghat town of Champawat district of Uttarakhand. The fort of Banasura is located near Karnarayat village, about 6 kilometers from Lohaghat town. The height of this fort is about 1859 meters above sea level. It is also known as Bane Kot or Bada Kot.
History - Banasur Fort Champavat | Banasur Kila
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| Banasur Fort, Champavat |
The fort of Banasura is considered a fort at the mythological site. It is said that this fort was built by a demon named Banasur for himself. Banasur Fort was renovated by the kings of Chand dynasty. It is also a belief that this fort was built by the kings of Chand dynasty only. The fort of Banasur also remained under the authority of the Gorkhas for some time. During the British rule in India, it was under the control of British Government.
Banasur Fort is historical and ancient but the complete history of this fort is not fully known.This place is believed to be related to the mythological period. Some famous stories are told about the Banasur Fort. It is also believed that this fort has been associated with Lord Krishna and Shiva.
Mythology - Banasur Fort | Banasur Kila
Banasur was the eldest son of King Bali. Banasura was an extremely powerful king and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion and penance, once Lord Shiva had given him the boon of having a thousand arms. After getting thousand arms, Banasura became much more powerful than before.
According to the story, Lord Shiva told him that if the time comes, he himself would fight for Banasura. Due to this, Banasura became very proud of being powerful. In the pride of power, Banasura started misusing his powers and because of these powers, he started creating havoc all around him.
Banasura abducted Pradyuman, the grandson of Lord Shri Krishna. According to the story, Pradyuman had a relationship with Banasura's daughter and it made BAnasur angry. Banasura kidnapped Pradyuman. When Lord Krishna came to know about this event, he became very angry. He wanted to rescue Pradyuman by attacking Banasura but Lord Shiva fought from Banasura's side to help him as per his boon.
Due to Banasur there was a war between Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna and later Lord Krishna killed Banasur inside this fort after Lord Shiva withdrew from the middle. This story about the fort is very popular and that is why this fort is called Banasura's fort after the name of the demon Banasura. A river flows near the fort, named Lohavati river. It is also believed that this river was formed from the blood of Banasur and that is why the soil here is colored black and red even today.
Banasur ka Kila - Geographical Importance
Due to the geographical location of Banasura Fort, this fort has been so important in history. The fort being at a height, one can clearly see 360 degrees around far and wide. This fort is known for its natural beauty. It is believed that this town is also no less than a heaven. The area around the fort is known for its serene environment, pure air and clear water.
Here a beautiful view of the Himalayas can be witnessed from the fort. Beautiful views of the Panchachuli peak of the Himalayas can be seen from the Banasura Fort. The tourism department has arranged a big powerful telescope here. This fort is now under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The green valleys around Karnarayat are clearly visible from this fort. Small forts like Sui Kot, Chumal Kot, Chandi Kot, Chhat Kot and Baun Kot built by other Mandali kings can also be seen here, although all these forts have become ruins today.
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Banasur Fort Architecture
It is believed that the fort of Banasura must have been built in three different periods. The Banasur fort has been constructed under the Pahari style. Stones have been used in the construction of the fort. There are bastions at the four corners of the fort. These bastions are very important from the point of view of security. There are 85 skylights to look out from the fort, whose lower surface has been made sloping so that rain water cannot enter through them.
About 100 meters below the fort of Banasura, there is also a temple dedicated to the goddess.
Banasur Fort - Water Management
Special arrangements were made to collect water inside the fort of Banasura. There is a well built in Banasura fort which is located in the center of the main building. There is an iron grill around this well. This well is about 8 meters deep, 13 meters long and 5 meters wide, stairs are also visible to get down in it, it is believed that these stairs go down and join the river further. This well must have been a major source of water during the war. It is believed in stories that this well is the gate to heaven.
Banasura Fort - Condition at Present
Best Time to Visit Banasur Fort
The best time to visit Banasura Fort is from February to June. After this, the time from September to November is right to come here.
How to reach Banasur ka Kila
Banasura fort is at a distance of about 20 km from district headquarter Champawat. Banasura fort is about 6 kilometers from Lohaghat town. This fort can be reached from Karnarayat village by climbing a steep flight of stairs for 2 km. There is no ticket of any kind to go inside the fort.
Situated at a distance of about 420 kilometers from the country's capital Delhi, this fort is a historical heritage. If you want to come here during your trip to Uttarakhand then you can reach easily. There are good roadways to reach the fort. One can reach here by state transport bus from Lohaghat or by taxi from Lohaghat.
Pant Nagar Airport of Uttarakhand is the nearest airport. If you are traveling by train then Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is good to carry water and snacks with you while visiting Banasura Fort. Taking time out from the hustle and bustle of life, we must see these heritage sites of history.
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