Myth of Kalpa Vigraha: The Truth Behind the 28,000-Year-Old Shiva Idol

Allegedly 28,000-Year-Old Shiva Idol

Introduction

Recently, the internet has been flooded with claims about a Shiva idol who is said to be over 28,000 years old. This story, which celebrates Santana Dharma’s ancient heritage, has been widely shared on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube platforms. However, upon closer examination, the truth behind these claims is far more complex and revealing about the nature of misinformation in the digital age.

The Origin of the Claim

The story of the Kalpa Vigraha idol began in 2015 with an article titled “Kalpa Vigraha: Oldest Hindu Idol of Lord Shiva (26450 BC)” published on bookfact.com. This article made numerous claims about the idol’s antiquity but provided no substantial evidence to support them. Despite this lack of evidence, the story gained traction over time, with various individuals and groups creating videos and social media posts that repeated the same unverified information.

Propagation of the Myth

As interest in the story grew, so did demands for evidence. In response, those spreading the myth took further deceptive measures. On July 7, 2020, a Twitter account was created under the name of K.K. Mohammed, a respected archaeologist and former Regional Director (North) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This account posted about the Kalpa Vigraha idol, repeating the same unfounded claims initially made on bookfact.com. The post gained additional credibility when it was shared by a BJP leader, further amplifying its reach.

Debunking the Fake Endorsement

On July 11, 2020, the real K.K. Mohammed addressed the issue by posting on Facebook, warning the public about the fake Twitter account. He clarified, “A parody account on Twitter @K_K_Muhammed is writing false, unscientific, and malicious content. I do not use Twitter to share my views. It is requested to beware of such unreliable information and fake news on the internet by vested interest groups.” This post debunked the claims and highlighted the importance of verifying the sources of sensational stories.

Lack of Scientific Evidence

The core of the myth rests on supposed radiocarbon dating by the University of California Radiation Laboratory, which allegedly confirmed the idol’s age as 26,450 BC. However, no reputable scientific institution, including the University of California Radiation Laboratory, has published any findings related to this idol. Radiocarbon dating of artefacts from such an ancient period is highly complex and requires rigorous, peer-reviewed research. None of these standards have been met for the Kalpa Vigraha claims.

How Misinformation Spreads

1. Appeal to Authority: The fake Twitter account mimicked a respected authority (K.K. Mohammed) to lend false credibility to the claim. This tactic exploits people’s trust in experts.
2. Emotional Appeal: The story taps into religious sentiments, invoking pride and a sense of identity among followers of Santana Dharma. This emotional connection makes people more likely to believe and share the claim.
3. Viral Spread on Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube facilitate rapid dissemination of information, often without verification. Hashtags, shares, and retweets amplify the reach of such posts.
4. Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms create echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to information that aligns with their beliefs, reinforcing the spread of similar content and discouraging critical thinking.
5. Manipulative Imagery: High-quality visuals and emotional captions enhance the persuasiveness of the post. Visuals are powerful tools in shaping perceptions and spreading misinformation.

Example of the Spread

1. Initial Post: The fake Twitter account (@K_K_Muhammed) tweets about the 28,000-year-old Shiva idol, claiming it was dated by the University of California Radiation Laboratory.
2. Secondary Spread: Influential social media personalities and pages dedicated to Hindu culture and heritage share the tweet on their platforms, citing the fake endorsement by K.K. Mohammed.
3. Mainstream Reach: The claim catches the attention of various YouTube channels and Facebook pages, which create videos and posts discussing the idol’s supposed ancient origins. These videos garner thousands of views and shares.
4. Public Belief: As the claim circulates widely, many people start to accept it as fact. The repeated exposure and the (fake) endorsement by a respected archaeologist lend the story an air of legitimacy.

Conclusion

The claim about the 28,000-year-old Shiva idol is a textbook example of how misinformation can spread through social media. By leveraging appeals to authority, emotional connections, and viral dissemination, vested interests can propagate unverified and false information. This case underscores the importance of critical thinking, verifying sources, and maintaining scepticism toward extraordinary claims that lack credible evidence. As consumers of information, it is crucial to question and investigate the origins of sensational stories before accepting them as truth.

Written by Rajat Mourya