Banasur Fort

Banasur Fort (Hindi: Bāṇāsur kā kilā) is a hill fort located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India.^[1] Situated in the Kumaon region at an elevation of approximately 1,859 metres (6,099 feet) above sea level,^[2] the fort is presently in a ruined state and consists of surviving stone structures.^[3] 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.^[4]

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

Ruins of Banasur Fort in Champawat district, Uttarakhand

The Fort is located near the village of Karnakarayat, approximately 7 kilometres from Lohaghat town in Uttarakhand.^[5][6] It lies in the lower Himalayan foothills and is accessible by road up to Karnakarayat, followed by a short uphill walk to the site.^[7]

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.^[8] 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.^[9] 29°24′26.83″N 80°3′0.2″E