Who is Siyaram Baba and why is '188-year-old' man trending on social media?

A video recently surfaced on social media, claiming to show an 188-year-old man being rescued from a cave near Bengaluru. This footage, shared by a user known as 'Concerned Citizen,' quickly captured attention, racking up nearly 29 million views. The post accompanying the video stated, “This Indian man has just been found in a cave. It's alleged he's 188 years old. Insane.” This sensational claim about the man’s age set off a wave of curiosity and disbelief among viewers.

However, the identity of the elderly man was soon clarified by the X community, which correctly identified him as Siyaram Baba, a well-known Hindu saint believed to be around 110 years old. The discrepancies regarding his age sparked significant discussion online, with many users calling out the exaggerated claims. 

Some pointed out that even the initial poster acknowledged their mistake, admitting, “I’m embarrassed I even wrote 188. Anything over 120 would have been ridiculous.” As the video continued to circulate, it became clear that the sensational claim was not grounded in reality, leading to a larger conversation about the importance of fact-checking information before sharing it.

Who is Siyaram Baba?

According to Time Now News, Siyaram Baba, a supercentenarian, is a revered figure among Hindus, known for his deep spiritual devotion and austere lifestyle. Residing at Bhatyan Ashram in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, he has dedicated his life to Lord Rama and the teachings of the Ramayana. Baba is said to read the sacred text for about 21 hours each day, showcasing an extraordinary level of commitment to his faith, all while reportedly doing so without the assistance of glasses. Siyaram Baba is renowned for his incredible feat of standing on one leg for an entire decade as part of his rigorous penance.

His life is marked by remarkable feats of endurance and spiritual practice. Notably, it is said that he performed a ten-year penance by standing on one leg, a testament to his dedication and discipline. Baba maintains a simple lifestyle, wearing only a loincloth and adhering to a strict regimen of daily rituals, including meditation and prayer. Despite his advanced age, he manages his daily activities independently, further enhancing his reputation as a spiritually potent and self-sufficient figure. His life and teachings have attracted numerous devotees, who regularly visit him at the ashram to seek blessings and guidance.

Fact Check: Debunking the 188-year-old claim

In the wake of the viral video, X issued a disclaimer to clarify the misinformation surrounding Siyaram Baba's age. The platform noted, “Misinformation! The elderly man is a Hindu saint named Siyaram Baba who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India. According to reports, he is about 110 years old.” 

The data verification group D-Intent Data evaluated the viral claims and deemed them misleading. They reiterated that the elderly individual in the video is indeed Siyaram Baba, emphasizing that he is not 188 years old. The post also warned users about the dangers of influencers circulating unfounded narratives for social media clout.