188-Year-Old Man Found in Bengaluru Cave? Viral Video Fact-Checked

The internet loves a good mystery, and boy, did this one have us hooked. A video claiming to show a 188-year-old man discovered in a Bengaluru cave recently took social media by storm, racking up millions of views and sparking countless conversations. But as it turns out, the truth is a little less “lost in time” and a bit more “down to earth.”

While the video’s claim of finding a man who had seemingly defied the aging process was certainly captivating, it didn’t take long for fact-checkers and internet sleuths to unravel the real story. The man in the video isn’t a time traveler from the 19th century, but rather a 110-year-old Hindu saint named Siyaram Baba, who hails from Madhya Pradesh.

Impressive? Absolutely. But nearly two centuries old? Not quite.

The video, originally posted by a user called “Concerned Citizen,” quickly went viral, garnering over 34 million views before platform X stepped in with a “misinformation” disclaimer. It seems even social media platforms have their limits when it comes to bending the truth.

So, who is this centenarian saint?

Siyaram Baba, as it turns out, is a revered figure in his community. Reports suggest he resides at an ashram along the banks of the Narmada River and is known for his remarkable stories, including a period where he allegedly spent a decade standing on one leg in penance. He’s also said to be able to read the Ramayana without glasses, which is pretty impressive for anyone, let alone someone over a century old.

The incident has sparked a wave of amusement online, with many users finding humor in the misidentification. The original poster even chimed in, jokingly suggesting that they “should have left him there” since his lifestyle seems to be working out just fine.

This whole episode serves as a valuable reminder to approach viral claims with a healthy dose of skepticism, no matter how enticing they may seem. In the age of misinformation, it’s crucial to verify information before jumping to conclusions.

And hey, if anything, this story gives us all a new goal to strive for: living a long and healthy life, perhaps with a dash of Siyaram Baba’s legendary resilience.

References: 

• https://hindi.scoopwhoop.com/artandculture/madhya-pradesh-ke-siyaram-baba-in-hindi
• https://satyaagrah.com/sanatan/dharm-sanskriti/2653-siyaram
• https://www.instagram.com/siyaram_baba00?igsh=MWd4aXZqOGt0MjE1OQ%3D%3D
• https://x.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1841736419435291116
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fact-check-viral-video-claims-188-year-old-man-rescued-in-bengaluru-6714105