Ancient temples, cosmic secrets: Science or Alien knowledge?
“I have a dream, humans were part of aliens on Earth.
I also dream that some humans are really indigenous.”
― Toba Beta, ‘My Ancestor Was an Ancient Astronaut’.
A visit to any Hindu temple gives a strange feeling that we are in the presence of an extraterrestrial power. The deities are all clad from head to toe in metallic armour, which are usually made of gold, silver, and copper. It makes one wonder why these accoutrements are made of precious metals. The deities are also armed with an array of weapons. Is this some kind of protective spacesuit designed to survive in Earth’s atmosphere?
Why are precious metals being used? Gold is highly reflective of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. It is used as a thin coating on astronaut helmet visors (to protect eyes) and on satellite components to protect electronics from thermal and UV damage, while remaining resistant to corrosion. Gold is a highly reflective metal, reflecting both light and radiation. Gold reflects infrared radiation with wavelengths above 0.7 µm, as well as any other metal. It also reflects more UV radiation below 0.35 µm than other metals. In modern deep space applications, gold metal plating is commonly used. Spacecraft, as well as aerospace components, tools, and suits, employ gold metal plating in their production processes to lend certain properties and traits to their equipment.
Silver is used for its superior thermal radiation properties and as a plating material in spacecraft applications. It is often used in multilayer insulation (MLI) coatings to protect against infrared radiation. Gold and silver are highly effective at reflecting thermal and solar radiation away from spacecraft, thereby preventing overheating.
Copper can act as a shield against electromagnetic radiation. Copper is an effective material for shielding against radiofrequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Copper-based shielding materials can block over 99.9% of RF/EMI in relevant frequency ranges, making them highly efficient for protecting the human body from radiofrequency exposure.
What is the esoteric reason for Hindu deities in temples using gold, silver, and copper extensively?
A major ingredient used extensively in all Hindu Poojas and ceremonies in temples is water. Water is an effective shield against radiation, particularly neutrons, beta particles, and gamma rays, due to its high hydrogen content and density. Approximately 7 cm of water reduces ionizing radiation by half, while deeper layers (5–8m) are used in nuclear reactors to safely block radiation. It is also proposed for space exploration shielding. Studies by the European Space Agency have identified water as one of the materials best suited for radiation shielding. It is relatively dense and contains lots of hydrogen atoms, which interact with incoming radiation particles and slow them down. In Shivalinga worship, water is poured to “cool” the deity from the heat of Halahala poison (intense energy?) or Tejtattva particles. Lord Shiva is associated with immense cosmic energy, which is why the Shivalinga is constantly cooled by pouring water to balance this power. It is believed that after consuming the poison Halahala during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva’s body was overheated. The gods poured water on him to soothe his heat, creating the tradition which humans are following. Interestingly, water is offered using a pot made of either gold, silver, copper, or bronze.
Bronze metal also possesses anti-radiation properties, particularly against electromagnetic (EM) radiation, due to its high copper content. Because it is a dense, conductive alloy, it acts as a shield against certain types of radiation and is sometimes explored as an alternative material for radiation shielding. Like copper, bronze is highly effective at blocking radio-frequency radiation and other electromagnetic waves because it absorbs magnetic waves.
For ‘Abhishekam‘ in temples, edible gingelly oil (also known as sesame oil) has shown potential effectiveness against certain types of radiation and its side effects in various research settings. Its protective qualities are primarily attributed to a powerful antioxidant called Sesamol, which acts as a scavenger for free radicals produced by radiation exposure. Research indicates that these antioxidants may help defend cell lines and prevent radiation-induced DNA damage.
Similarly, ghee, used in temples for ‘Abhishekam’, the idea that edible ghee is effective against radiation is a topic where traditional Ayurvedic claims and modern scientific research do not see eye to eye. Ayurvedic tradition holds ghee in high regard, often calling it a “natural healer.” In “Alandi Ayurveda”, it’s noted that “medicated ghee” (ghee infused with herbs like Pippali) is traditionally used to support the body against ionizing radiation.
Another curious tradition is about using the ‘Dharba grass’ in many temple rituals, especially those related to Lord Ganesh. Dharba grass, it is believed, is effective against radiation. Some experiments indicate that the grass absorbed about 60% of the (X-ray) radiation! At the time of Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse, our ancestors used to keep Dharba grass in all the food containers in the house to protect from the radiation of Eclipses.
Turmeric is another item used extensively in temple functions. Scientific studies are now emerging that its active compound Curcumin has a unique “dual mode” of action in radiation therapy: it acts as a radio-protector for healthy cells while potentially serving as a radio-sensitizer for tumour cells
Traditional belief and some contemporary proponents suggest that ‘Vibhuti’ (sacred ash or ‘Bhasma’) possesses protective qualities against negative energies and certain environmental factors, including radiation. Bhasma is also called ‘Vibhuti’, because it gives spiritual power and gives glory to one who applies it, protection (Raksha) from ill health and negative forces, and attracts the higher forces of nature. Another meaning of ‘Vibhuti’ is ‘healing power’, and it is widely used as a medicinal treatment in both Ayurveda and Chinese and Tibetan medicine, which are all ancient and profound systems for the rejuvenation of life. Gold, silver, copper, pearls, mica, and other precious stones and metals have curative properties which can quite safely and most effectively be taken into the body after being reduced to ash using great heat.
The amazing thing is, why are Hindu temple rituals focusing on radiation issues? Thousands of centuries back, when human scientific knowledge had almost zero knowledge about cosmic radiation, why the stress on controlling radiation, using expensive metals, and natural products? There is very little research on these topics by Indian universities; this is a very rich field to glean valuable insights into whether there has been extraterrestrial influence in the construction of temples, and in the use of expensive metals and select natural products, which are believed to have anti-radiation properties.
Unfortunately, we had to rely on interpretations of illiterate soldiers, pirates, and violent proselytizers, who, blinded by arrogant fundamentalism, ridiculed Hinduism and all temple ceremonies as superstition and mythology. The time has come to scientifically study our temple architecture and ceremonies to decipher the esoteric knowledge embedded in them.
Ancient temple architecture, especially in South Indian temples, uses an intriguing term “Vimana” to refer to the structure, present over and around the main shrine or the Garbha-griha, the place where the Temple deities are present. It is not just the upper dome-like structure over the sanctum, but also includes the walls and the base of the Garba-griha. The term “Vimana” refers to a flying vehicle; it is a combination of two Sanskrit words – Vi + Mana, meaning a high-flying object! Why did the ancient Indians specifically refer to this structure as “Vimana”? At this point in time, only wild speculations are possible, but suffice it to say that there must be an esoteric link with alien entities who must have come in aerial vehicles.
The design of the temple Vimana is related to the human body. The Ekatala Vimana or single-storeyed Vimana has six main parts: Adhisthana or basement, Pada or pillars, Prastara, the architrave part, Griva, the neck part, Shikhara, indicating the head, and the Kalasha. The following Sanskrit Shloka describes the temple:
“Garba Gruha Sirahapoktam antaraalam Galamthatha
Ardha Mandapam Hridayasthanam Kuchisthanam Mandapomahan
Medhrasthaneshu Dwajasthambam Praakaram Janjuangeecha
Gopuram Paadayosketha Paadasya Angula Pokthaha
Gopuram Sthupasthatha Yevam Devaalayam angamuchyathe”
(Viswakaramyam Vaasthu Sastra).
The Garba-griha (or womb chamber) is considered to be the Head of God, Mahamandapa the stomach, and Gopuram the feet. (Medhrasthaneshu Dwajasthambam – Dwajasthambam represents the male sex organ). The design is based on the Vastu-Purusha-Mandala geometric plan, symbolizing the connection between the human and the divine.
Most Shivlings are made of granite, and granite is not only mildly radioactive, but it also constantly emits Radon gas as a by-product. Radon is highly toxic with prolonged exposure. This is why the stone is always kept under a water stream, and periodically, Abhishekam is done with milk, which forms a protective layer. Women, especially those of childbearing age, should avoid exposure to granite.
Some religious systems consider the narrow passage from the Dhwajastambha to the Garba-griha as representing the female vaginal passage. The Dhwajastambha, Yoni passage, and the Garba-griha together symbolize the divine eternal process of creation and regeneration, and the union of the feminine and the masculine that creates all of existence. The yoni is conceptualized as nature’s gateway of all births, particularly in the esoteric Kaula and Tantra practices, as well as the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions of Hinduism.
All Vigrahas or Murtis (idols) are considered to be Minors, as they are in the Garba-griha (womb)! The priest is considered to be the legal guardian of the Vigraha or Murti, and the priest not only performs their duties but also enforces their rights. Thus, Vigrahas or Murtis have a legal personality.
Erich Anton Paul von Däniken, a Swiss author who popularised ancient-alien theories, best known for his 1968 bestseller Chariots of the Gods, popularised the “ancient astronaut” hypothesis, which posits that extraterrestrial beings influenced ancient temple architecture, advanced engineering, and human culture. He argues that many ancient sacred structures and technologies were too sophisticated for the humans of their time, suggesting alien intervention or technology, often viewing these sites as “landing strips” or “contact points” for celestial visitors. Another famous book of his is titled “Was God an astronaut?” It was followed by many sequels, including “Gods from Outer Space” and “The Gold of the Gods”. Whether we believe in the hypothesis of Erich von Däniken or not, the indisputable fact is that Hindu temples are designed with high precision, often aligning with cardinal directions and solar events (equinoxes/ solstices). Key examples include the 79°E longitude straight-line alignment of Shiva temples (e.g., Kedarnath to Rameswaram), solar illumination at Konark, and structural grids designed to mimic cosmic energy patterns. Hindu temples are symmetry-driven structures built on a square grid, depicting perfect geometric shapes such as circles and squares. The layout of temples often follows a perfect square grid principle. Such deep proficiency in geology, astronomy, astrophysics, and mathematics could not have been possible without external assistance and knowledge inputs.
The importance of the Dhwajastambhas, in front of temples, needs special mention. Specific interpretations in Agama Shastras and temple Vastu texts indicate that the Dhwajastambham or Kodimaram represents the male organ (Medhra) of the divine form in human-analogy-based temple architecture. Another view is that the Dhwaja Stambha (flagpole) in Hindu temple architecture represents the spinal cord (backbone) of the human body. The pole often features 32 rings (or joints), which correspond to the 32 vertebrae of the human spinal cord. But, Hindu temple iconography features three main postural types for Vigrahas or Murtis (idols), known in Shilpa Shastras (ancient treatises on Temple construction) as Sthanaka (standing), Aasana (sitting), and Shayana (reclining/supine). In none of these postures can the spine feature in the front.
The base of the Dhwaja Stambha represents the Mooladhara Chakra (the base of the spine), while the top symbolizes the Sahasrara Chakra (crown of the head).
Just as the spinal cord carries signals throughout the body, the Dhwaja Stambha is seen as a conduit of divine energy, guiding the devotee’s ego to surrender (represented by the Bali Peetam or sacrifice altar near its base) and raise their consciousness to the divine inside the Garbha-griha (sanctum). The rising of Kundalini energy translates to the expansion of one’s consciousness to higher states of consciousness.
Dhwaja Stambha ceremonies are symbolic of the rise of the dormant Kundalini energy so that man can reach Godhood and achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering by merging with the Cosmic consciousness.
The Dhwaja Stambhas are scientifically described as an “antenna” for cosmic energy that also serves as a protective lightning conductor. Dhwaja Stambhas are typically the highest structure in the temple complex and are frequently covered with metal sheets—often copper, brass, gold, or panchaloha (a five-metal alloy). Acting as a metal conductor placed at the highest point, it induces lightning to strike it during storms. The structure then conducts the heavy electrical charge directly into the ground, thereby protecting the main temple structure from damage.
A question that normally arises is that, if alien entities had such deep contacts with human beings, and shared with them knowledgeable inputs about cosmic radiation, and metals that restrict radiation, why has that contact not continued? The answer could be found in the highly destructive Mahabharata war that was fought.
Chronologist, Historian, Author, Sanskrit Scholar & Civil Servant, Vedveer Arya gives a date of 3162 BCE, by distinguishing between the Śaka and Śakanta eras and applying a correction of 60 years to the date given in popular tradition, based on the Aihole inscription. Dr. B.N. Narahari Achar, who was Professor Emeritus at the University of Memphis in the Physics Department, used planetarium software to argue that the Mahabharata War took place in 3067 BCE. Dieter Koch, Swiss philosopher and archeo-astronomer, dates the war to 1198 BCE using planetarium software on the basis of astrological super-conjunctions mentioned in the text. The Mahabharata war is often interpreted as a conflict in which extraterrestrial or advanced beings (Devas/Asuras) participated using their sophisticated technology, like Vimanas (flying machines) and Divya-Astras (high-energy weapons).
Ancient Hindu holy scriptures speak of ‘Fourteen Worlds’, including the Earth, all of them inhabited by intelligent life. It also mentions the travel of people between these worlds. Entities like Devas lived in some of these worlds while the Asuras lived in others. The Mahabharata gives detailed 41 references about flying vehicles (Vimanas), Arjuna’s travels in a flying chariot across the Himalayas, his visit to the Deva territories (ancient alien base-camp in Tibet?), his battle with the Nivata Kavachas (men in space-suits?), Salwa’s attack on the city of Dwaraka in a flying disc named Saubha, and the triple space-cities of Asuras that revolved around Earth in three circular orbits that was ultimately destroyed by Lord Shiva using a single projectile weapon. The narration about the aftereffects of such weapons are suggestive of the use of weapons similar to modern-day nuclear weapons. Descriptions of the destruction unleashed by super weapons like Brahma-Astra and Narayana-Astra are frightening for defence analysts.
Whatever has come down to humanity is the interpretation of observers, much like modern-day TV correspondents, who give commentaries about actual wars taking place. It is beyond them to give technical and scientific details, but they can only mention the names of the weapons used and the scale of destruction unleashed. In the Mahabharata War, it is not only human beings who got annihilated in large numbers, but also alien entities and their weapon systems. Perhaps the Mahabharata experience might have been instrumental in alien contact getting disrupted.
The greatest contribution of Hinduism is enlightening the world that God is not a one-man show, rather God is a complex web of multifarious divinities, exercising superintendence over different fields of knowledge, and maintaining a delicate balance of power.
The sighting of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) being reported regularly, from different parts of the world, is an indication that aliens are exploring our planet. In June 2021, the Pentagon released a report confirming that it could not explain more than 140 incidents of flying objects reported by Navy officers over the previous two decades. A month before, on The Late Show With James Corden, Barack Obama had confirmed that things were happening in the sky that could not be explained. (In February, he went further and told a podcast host that aliens were “real”.) In July 2023, a former US intelligence officer, David Grusch, told a packed congressional hearing that secret government programmes were hoarding crashed spaceships and “non-human biologics”.[1]
Concluding in the words of Hermann Julius Oberth, who was an Austro-Hungarian-born German physicist and rocket pioneer, “It is my thesis that flying saucers are real and that they are space ships from another solar system. I think that they are possibly manned by intelligent observers who are members of a race that may have been investigating our Earth for centuries. I think that they possibly have been sent out to conduct systematic, long-range investigations, first of men, animals, vegetation, and more recently of atomic centers, armaments, and centers of armament production”.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam Astu.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
Reference:
[1] The Pentagon released its UFO videos – so I went to the US to chase aliens. This is what I found – Apr 22 2026, The Guardian
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