Six of the World’s Most Haunted Ancient Temples and Shrines
Obtained from: http://www.blumhouse.com/2016/03/02/six-of-the-worlds-most-haunted-ancient-temples-and-shrines/
Credits to: Gregory Burkart
Cressing Temple — Essex, UK
The History: One of the earliest and largest properties owned by the religious order of the Knights Templar in Medieval England (dating back to the early 12th Century), Cressing Temple is also home to one of the oldest still-standing barns in the world. The manor was a hub of agricultural commerce in the area, and its earnings went toward funding the Crusades, until it was seized from the order in 1309 by King Edward II.
The Mystery: Like many sites in Medieval England, Cressing is allegedly home to multiple ghosts. One of the most famous is said to be a spectral knight on horseback, who has been seen materializing out of the mist at twilight. Other reports describe a Roman soldier, apparently still bloody from battle, and the ghost of young Tom Davies, the son of Sir Thomas Davies, owner of Cressing Temple in the late 17th Century.
Fengdu’s Ghost City — Chongqing, China
The History: Fengdu is a massive, sprawling collection of temples, monuments and shrines dedicated to a detailed depiction of Hell — known as Diyu — as described in Chinese mythology. Though believed to be as old as the Han Dynasty (nearly 2,000 years), and referenced in many classic literary works, the true historical origins of the Ghost City are not fully known, and the oldest buildings seen today date back only a few centuries. The elaborate layout, which is now a popular tourist attraction, depicts the journey of sinners through multiple tests and punishments, with each region guarded and operated by powerful demons.
The Mystery: The Ghost City already has a seriously creepy vibe going on — just check out the artwork depicting graphic tortures inflicted on humans by ferocious hell-beasts – but according to some accounts, it was actually built on the grounds of a former Taoist cemetery… and as you can probably imagine, the restless spirits of those once interred there are said to roam the city’s buildings, bridges and pathways after dark.
Gopinath Temple — Rajasthan, India
The History: In the Fortress of Bhangarh lies a temple with a paranormal reputation of its own. Gopinath is one of several temples along the entrance gate to Bhangarh, but its yellow stones and elevated height make it one of the most dramatic sights along the complex.
The Mystery: Along with the rest of Bhangarh, the temple was believed to be cursed by a vengeful wizard, who is said to have caused the deaths of 10,000 people living within the fortress walls. Ghosts of those murdered – including a resident priest – are said to emerge from the temple at sundown, and locals claim many people have been killed after venturing into the complex at night.
Mae Nak Shrine — Bangkok, Thailand
The History: Shrines to “Lady Nak” signify a major figure in Thai folklore, dating back to the mid-19th Century. According to legend, Nak was a beautiful young woman who died during childbirth along with her baby, but whose love for her soldier husband prevented their spirits from departing the land of the living. Many historians believe Nak was based on a real person, and that her son invented the ghost story to scare his father out of remarrying – even going as far as to dress up in her clothes and terrorize locals.
The Mystery: Legend describes several attempts to capture Nak’s spirit and keep it until it can enter another body, but all were in vain, and her soul apparently remains restless to this day. Offerings to the shrine are believed to win her favor (particularly among pregnant women), but even outside of traditional beliefs, many modern residents claim to have sighted Nak’s ghost. Supernatural stories about Nak are very popular in Thai culture, and have inspired many novels, films, plays, and even an opera.
Oiwa Inari Tamiya Jinja — Tokyo, Japan
The History: Oiwa shrine is home to one of Japan’s most famous ghost stories: the Yotsuya Kaidan. Written in 1825 by Tsuruya Nanboku IV, the tale involves a woman named Oiwa, who is murdered by her cheating husband only to return as a grotesquely deformed ghost and torment him… eventually causing him to plunge from a cliff to his death. Oiwa is believed to be based on a real person who lived during the Edo period of the early 17th Century, and whose body is not buried in the shrine but at a temple in Sugamo.
The Mystery: While it’s unproven as to whether the characters of theYotsuya Kaidan are based on real people, the shrine itself — and Oiwa, its resident spirit — is taken very seriously. Even today, if a Kabuki theater company, film crew or other dramatic troupe plans to portray the story of this vengeful ghost, they make a point of paying homage to Oiwa before production can begin… apparently, those who have declined to take part in the ritual experienced horrible consequences. It’s also claimed that the ghost manifests herself on the grounds of the shrine in the form of a crying cat.
Ulupo Heiau — Oahu, Hawaii
The History: While you may not think of sunny Hawaii as the site of multiple hauntings, there are actually quite a few accounts. One particular site believed to be populated by resident spirits is this massive and ancient arrangement of lava stones. It was known to be a ceremonial site and a symbol of power for many great leaders — including the revered Kamehameha, who ruled during the late 18th Century. However, some legends claim the site was originally built to bury thousands of people who were sacrificed at the decree of a tyrannical warlord.
The Mystery: Visitors to Ulupo Heiau have experienced strange phenomena, including feelings of nausea, headaches and dizziness, and many have reported witnessing large glowing balls of light floating around the area. The lights are said to glow in different colors, depending on the positive or negative energies they emit and/or receive from their surroundings.
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