Bandhavgarh Fort

Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be around 2,000 years old, is located atop the Bandhavgarh Hill, in the centre of the national park.  Books like ‘Narad-Panch Ratra’ and the ‘Shiva Purana’ contain references to this fort. Surrounded by a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys, the fort is home to many endangered species of vultures.

The fort was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 AD. Folklore legend states that Lord Rama built this fort when he was returning from Lanka after conquering Ravana. To keep an eye on the happenings of Lanka, Lord Rama gave the charge of the fort to his brother Lakshmana.  

In the fort are present statues of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which were carved out of single rocks. Dating back to 10th or 11 century AD, the statues allure numerous tourists to the site. Out of all the statues, the biggest is called Shesh Shaiya, which depicts Lord Vishnu in reclining pose.

It is believed that this fort remained under the reign of many rulers like the Maghas, the Vakatakas, the Sengars, the Kalchuris and the Baghels. Near the fort lies a temple dedicated to Lakshmana (Bandhavdish).