Banasur Fort

Ruins of Banasur Fort in Champawat district, Uttarakhand

Banasur Fort (Hindi: Bāṇāsur kā kilā) is a hill fort located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated in the Kumaon region at an elevation of approximately 1,859 metres (6,099 feet) above sea level, the fort is presently in a ruined state and consists of surviving stone structures. According to Hindu mythology, the fort is believed to have been built by Banasura, a demon king and son of Bali, who is said to have ruled the region in ancient times.

Depiction of the battle between Krishna and Banasura, a legend associated with Banasur Fort in Hindu mythology

The Fort is located near the village of Karnakarayat, approximately 7 kilometres from Lohaghat town in Uttarakhand. It lies in the lower Himalayan foothills and is accessible by road up to Karnakarayat, followed by a short uphill walk to the site.

Legends

According to a legend from Hindu mythology, Usha, the daughter of Banasura, a demon king and son of Bali, fell in love with Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. When Banasura discovered their relationship, he imprisoned Aniruddha within his fortress. This led to a confrontation between Banasura and Krishna, culminating in a battle in which Banasura, despite being granted a thousand arms by Shiva, was ultimately defeated.