I have a doubt about 5000 years old shastha since ayyappan was not that older. Of Course shasta olden shiv may be. And there is news right across:
Kalpa Vigraha— 28,450-Year-Old Lord Shiva Idol That Proves Shiva Was Always Here Whether myth, misunderstood science, or authentic artifact, the Kalpa Vigraha challenges the very foundations of human history and spirituality. It reminds us that there may be chapters of civilization and divine connection lost in the sands of time, waiting to be rediscovered. In a world constantly rewriting its past, some artifacts appear like echoes from a forgotten age—challenging everything we think we know about history, religion, and the origins of civilization. One such object is the Kalpa Vigraha, a mysterious idol believed by some to be the oldest known image of Lord Shiva—carbon-dated to an astonishing 26,450 BCE. If this claim holds true, the Kalpa Vigraha isn't just an archaeological anomaly—it is a revelation. It suggests that a deeply spiritual, Shiva-centric culture may have existed over 28,000 years ago, long before the Indus Valley Civilization, Sumerians, or even Stonehenge. Mainstream history, however, remains skeptical. But is it merely legend, or is there more to the Kalpa Vigraha than scholars are willing to admit? Discovery in the Himalayas Tibetan Connection Tibetan Connection According to scattered reports and researcher testimonies, the Kalpa Vigraha was discovered in the Tibetan plateau, possibly near the ancient spiritual corridors connecting Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and the broader regions where Bon, Shaivism, and Tantric traditions once flourished. The idol is reportedly just a few inches tall, depicting a serene, meditative Shiva-like figure seated in a yogic posture. What sets it apart is not just the iconography but the metal composition—a mix of unknown alloys not found in modern metallurgy databases. Early private studies described it as "non-rusting, unusually heavy for its size, and giving off an electromagnetic aura." It was allegedly brought to the United States in the late 20th century by a private collector, and that’s where the first scientific testing took place. The Radiocarbon Shock 26,450 BCE? 26,450 BCE? In what has become the most debated aspect of this artifact, a radiocarbon dating test was supposedly conducted on organic remnants near or attached to the idol—such as residue or an organic base, perhaps once part of its pedestal. The result: over 28,000 years old. For perspective, this date pushes the artifact back to the Upper Paleolithic period, when most of humanity was still in the hunter-gatherer stage and supposedly incapable of creating metal idols or complex spiritual systems. But here's the catch: this claim has never been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Most references to the dating come from fringe researchers, independent reports, or spiritual circles fascinated by ancient Shiva worship. No verified academic institution has released comprehensive test data, and the idol's current location remains uncertain—possibly in a private collection or hidden from public access. Still, the shockwaves from that one date—26,450 BCE—refuse to die down. Shiva Worship in Prehistoric Times? Pashupati Seal Pashupati Seal The possibility that Lord Shiva was venerated tens of thousands of years ago opens up a radically different timeline for Indic civilization. While historians place Vedic texts at around 1500–1200 BCE and the Indus Valley Civilization around 3300–1300 BCE, the Kalpa Vigraha could potentially prove that Shiva worship predates both by over 20,000 years. Interestingly, even mainstream archaeology has found phallic symbols (lingams) and proto-yogic figurines in Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, dated around 2500 BCE. These were once controversially associated with Proto-Shiva or the Pashupati seal—a horned yogic figure many believe is an early depiction of Shiva. Could the Kalpa Vigraha be the original archetype of all such symbols—a divine relic from an age when gods still walked among men? A Metal from Beyond Time One of the most fascinating aspects of the Kalpa Vigraha is its metal composition. Researchers claimed it contained traces of rare-earth elements, and at least one analysis suggested it included radioactive isotopes stabilized in a way unknown to modern science. Some alternative historians speculate this could be evidence of lost advanced technology, comparable to the legends of Vimanas, Atlantean metallurgy, or even extraterrestrial contact. While these theories lack academic proof, they reflect a growing global interest in the intersection of myth and material reality. Could ancient Rishis have accessed knowledge that modern scientists are only beginning to uncover? Or is the idol simply a brilliant hoax that fed on the mystical allure of the Himalayas? Kalpa: A Name with Cosmic Meaning The name "Kalpa" itself is deeply symbolic. In Sanskrit, a Kalpa refers to a cosmic aeon—a full day in the life of Brahma, equal to 4.32 billion years. Naming the idol "Kalpa Vigraha" implies it represents not just Shiva, but Shiva in his timeless, eternal form—a being who transcends cycles of creation and destruction. This ties into the Advaitic and Tantric conceptions of Shiva—not merely as a god, but as the unchanging substratum of reality, the first yogi, and the absolute stillness beyond time. Was There a Lost Shiva Civilization? If we take the claims seriously, the Kalpa Vigraha could be evidence of a lost civilization rooted in Shiva consciousness. Legends abound in Himalayan and Tamil traditions of Kumari Kandam, Shambhala, and other ancient lands where Tapasya, Yogic knowledge, and divine sciences were passed down before being submerged or forgotten. In these myths, Lord Shiva is often the center—not just as a deity, but as a teacher of cosmic laws, the lord of time (Mahakaal), and the first guru (Adi Guru) of all wisdom. Could the Kalpa Vigraha be a surviving relic of that lost Shaiva world? Between Faith and Fact: What Should We Believe? Until the Kalpa Vigraha is studied openly under modern archaeological scrutiny—with full publication of its location, materials, dating methods, and provenance—it remains in the twilight realm between fact and legend. But its story resonates because it taps into a deep cultural memory—that Lord Shiva has always been with us, far beyond historical boundaries. Whether through the lingams in caves, the yogic postures of Indus seals, or now, perhaps, through a tiny metal idol lost in Tibet, the spiritual call of Shiva seems eternal. A Shiva Beyond Time The Kalpa Vigraha may or may not turn out to be the oldest idol of Lord Shiva—but it has already achieved something greater: it has reignited the imagination of a people hungry to rediscover their past. In an age obsessed with modernity, perhaps this relic reminds us that spirituality, devotion, and the quest for truth are older than civilization itself. Whether locked in a vault, hidden in a cave, or embedded in our collective subconscious, the Kalpa Vigraha whispers to us across millennia: "Shiva was always here." K Rajaram IRS 17725 On Thu, 17 Jul 2025 at 12:12, 'gopala krishnan' via KeralaIyers < [email protected]> wrote: > THE THRIKKUNNAPPUZHA SREE DHARMA SASTHA TEMPLE, ALLEPPY DISTRICT- KERALA - > COMPILED > > Dear friends, > > Today my posting is about the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple dedicated to Lord > Dharma Sastha, located in Thrikkunnappuzha, Alappuzha district, Kerala. > It's an ancient temple with an idol believed to be over 5000 years old. The > temple is known for its annual festival in the Malayalam month of > Vrishchikam, culminating in the Arattu (holy bath) on the Uthram star day. > > Here Sastha is Grihastha with his wife Prabha and son Sathyaka. This > temple is also famous for pithrukarma. There is specific procedure in > worshipping in this temple. The temple is close to Haripad and a sea shore > temple. > > There is no bar for any one from any religion to enter and worship in the > temple. Many Christians and Muslims worship in this temple .The temple is > famous for Bali tharpanam also. Hope a divine reading. > > Gopalakrishnan 17-7-2025 > > Key features of the temple: > > Ancient Idol: The temple houses a 21-inch Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) > idol of Dharmasastha, along with idols of his wife Prabha and son Sathyaka > > Historical Significance:It's considered one of the oldest temples in > Kerala, and is also known as Padinjare Pathinettampadi. > > Festivals:The temple celebrates a ten-day festival in Vrishchikam, ending > with the Arattu, which is a significant event. > > Valiyenna Offering:A special offering called Valiyenna (medicinal oil) is > a unique feature, believed to have healing properties. > > Guardian Deity:Dharmasastha is considered the guardian deity of > Thrikkunnappuzha and surrounding villages. > > Additional Information: > > Location: Thrikkunnapuzha is a village in the Karthikappally taluk of > Alappuzha district. You can reach the temple by phone at +91-479-2482150. > > Nearby Attractions: The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is another > prominent temple in the region. > > Introduction > > This temple is one of the famous temples in Alappuzha District. > Thrikkunnappuzha is a small village in the Karthikappally Thaluk of > Alappuzha District. You can reach here by traveling *3km from Harippad to > Nangiarkulangara and then 6km due west*. The temple situates at the > Thrikkunnapuzha Junction, which is 150 meters away from the seashore. The > holy place is familiar even to the people of remote areas. > > *Ancient writings reveal that a large number of worshippers, from the > foreign countries also visited the temple in the past days*. The > blessings of the ‘Swamy’ give this land prosperity and fortunes. This ideal > worshipping place offered a place of consolation to hundreds of devotees*. > The nerve centre of the rule of dynasty formed around this temple*. At > least a few of this generation knows that once this land is owned by the > temple. Later the revenue department recovered the village as per the > Act.27 of1955. > > It is believed that the Sastha reigns this land and pour blessings to the > worshipper along with wife and son. Archaeologists say that the idol of > Swamy here is more than 5000 years old. The holy presence of Swamy > attracts a large number of worshippers from all over the country. > > According to the Hindu mythology the Shani Graha (Saturn) stands as a bad > destiny point to the people. *All the sufferings caused by the ‘Shani > Dosha’ can be eliminated by worshipping Ayyappa Swami.* > > History says there was another temple consecrated by Lord Parasurama which > was about five furlong to the west of the present temple. It was renowned > as ‘Paliyam Sasanam’ and was a symbol of the ancient architecture and > crafts. Thrikkunnappuzha Sree Dharmasastha temple is believed to be the > 'moolasthanam' of Sabarimala Ayyappa. One has to climb 18 steps to get a > glimpse of the divine idol. A wall surrounding 18 acres of land around > the temple too was built. This shrine also known as *Padinjare > Pathinettampadi.* > > Legend > > Lord Parasurama slaughtered a number of ‘Kshatriyas’ all around the > country. He was revenging upon the assassinators of his father.. Later > this event filled his mind with sorrow. He decided to repent. He started an > expedition along the seashore. *On this way he reached Thrikkunnapuha and > took rest. During this time, according to his devotional insight he > instituted a temple there with all architectural values and installed The > Holy idol of Sri DharmaSastha along with his wife and son. * > > He then took a bath in the sea and paid tributes his forefathers and to > all the Kshatriyas killed by him. He then offered ‘Pithrupooja’ and > ‘Thilahavanam’ to enable the souls to get ‘Moksha and a better Progeny. > > Rests of the spirits were consecrated at the temple. All these were done > in an ‘Amavasi’ day of ‘Shravan’ month. Even after thousands of years > later, devotees still offer ‘Balipindam’ and Pithrupooja to their ancestors > in the Amavasi day of the Karkkidakam. People in large number from > different part of the country accumulate here in the day to pray for their > forefathers. Besides this in all Amavasya and Pournami days devotees > reach here to offer pithrupooja > > History > > In the great flood, about 2/3rd of the village and the temple were lost. The > idols were then recovered and installed in a temporary temple. > > In BC 232 King Mahindran son of Emperor Ashoka, on his expedition to the > southern states, reached here. He happened to see these magnificent idols, > inspired by the glory of the idols *he setup an ideal worshipping place > within an 18-acre compound and began worshipping*. > > The followers of Ashoka dynasty regularly visited the temple and offered > prayers and poojas. *As Ashoka and his followers were later became > Buddhists, the Sastha temple was also renowned as a Buddhist centre*. The > temple and its Buddhist features were known worldwide in the name > SreemoolaPadam lokanadhan. *Authentic records had been found in the > manuscripts kept in the Cambridge University.* > > Historical records say that in AD 4th century King Chandra Gupta on his > way to former Silone (Now Sri Lanka) visited Sreemoolavasam. ‘The Paliyam > Dhamra Sasanam’ written by Chandra Gupta Varaguna in AD 9th century also > describes this feature. The 11th century famous poetry ‘Mooshika Vamsam’ > also leaves specific evidence of the existence of this temple. Gopinatha > Rao, a famous archaeologist lived at the end of 11th century, in his famous > historical writings gives us a clear picture of the Paliyam sasanam and > Sree moolavasam. > > Later during the region of Cheraman Perumal dynasty, the Sreemoolavasam > and for its administration five village were given to the Idappally Brahmin > family thrikkunnapuzha and nearby. *It is evident from this, which the > present temple was built by the Idappilly King.* > > As the Dwaraka was eroded by great tidal waves, Paliyam sasanam and Sree > moolavasam was lost to the sea. > > The archaeological researches have recorded that this abode had attained > its glory centuries ago. The abode of Sree Dharmasastha idol with wife and > son in the temple is known extensively in Kerala, and the fact that > hundreds of devotees visit the temple on pilgrimage stands as a testimony. > This Dharmasastha temple is also well known as *“Padinjare > Pathinettampadi*”. > > Whatever it may be, the “Sastha temple” and “Sree Dharma Sastha swami” > reins the land and pours blessing to a large number of devotees. > > Women and handicap persons > > Women and persons cannot go to “Sabari Mala” due to handicap reach here > with “Irumudikettu” on the 41st day of “Mandala kalam”, “Uthram nal” of the > month of “Vrischikam” marks the beginning of the annual festival. Besides > this a “Sapthaha Yanjam” is also organized every year. > > Other important temples and way of worship > > Besides the “sastha temple” you can see here temples of lord > “*Subrhamanya”,”Siva” > “Vishnu”, “Ganapathi” “Dhurga” “Navagraha”“Naga devatha” “Rakshas” > “Yogiswaran” etc. Devotees have to worship in these temples before entering > the sastha shrine.* > > *It is nice to see the Muslims, Christians around the temple participating > in the devotions here ensuring communal harmony*. Let swami be with us > for ever protecting us from the evils of the world. As told earlier any > devotee from any religion is permitted to worship in this temple. > > Temple special and festival days > > *Pitrupooja and Thilahavanam* every day at 10 am > > Annadanam is held at the temple on the first day of every Malayalam month. > > Vinayaka Chaturthi in the month of Chinga > > Skanda Shashti in the month of Libra > > A ten-day festival that falls on the 1st day of the month of Scorpio. > > Dhanu 11- A large number of devotees arrive at the temple with their > pallikkettu (religious offerings). > > Thai Pooyam in the month of Makara > > The re-consecration anniversary of Sri Subramanya Swamy on the full moon > day of the month of Mithun > > The black swan in the month of Karkidaka > > Every month, Shashti > > Mural paintings > > In this temple, a great ‘Chuvar Chitra’ (wall picture made with natural > materials) is seen, on the western wall of the ‘Sreekovil’, which is > 1500 years old. The “Sastha temple” and “Sree Dharma Sastha swami” rule > the land and shower blessings to a large number of devotees. > > Deities > > Presiding Deity : Dharma Sastha Grihastha with wife Prabha and son > Sathyaka > > The magnificent idol of this temple has a heritage of 5000 years and an > idol in this model and form is not available in any part of the world as > per the Archaeological researches. The ‘Panchaloha’ idol which was 21 > inches height is seated in a spacious granite “Pitam”. An idol of > Goddess Prabha on the right side and in between and behind the two > idols, an idol of son Sathyaka having height up to the shoulder of the > prominent idol, can be seen. > > In the north east of the campus*, a round shaped “Sreekovil” with a small > idol of Sree Suhbramanya Swamy exist with equal importance*. > > This type of idol you can’t see in any other temples in Kerala. > > Sub Deities : Muruga, Maha Vishnu,Siva, Ganapathy, Sree Durga, > Yakshi,Navagraha, Nagayakshi and Nagaraja > > Presence of Lord Muruga is there in the north-east side of the temple > compound. Maha Vishnu, Siva, Ganapathy, Sree Durga, Navagraha, Yakshi, > Nagayakshi and Nagaraja are the sub-deities here. It is believed that this > temple has over 5000 years of glory. This shrine is also known as Padinjare > Pathinettampadi (18 auspicious steps in western side). > > Poojas and Timings > > The temple opens at 5:00 am > > 5:00 AM: Nada Thurakkal 7:00 AM: Usha Pooja > > 7:15 AM: Ethrithu Pooja 8:45 AM: Pantheeradi Pooja > > 10:45 AM: Ucha Pooja Temple closes at 11:00 am > > Temple opens at 5:00 pm > > 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana 7:30 PM: Athazha pooja > > Kalasam Pooja is done at noon and evening. > > Temple closes at 8:00 pm > > Important Festivals > > Annual festival > > The grand 10-day festival at Thrikkunnappuzha Sree Dharmasastha Temple, > celebrated in Vrishchikam month, features traditional rituals, vibrant art > forms, and concludes with the divine Araattu holy bath on Uthram. > > The festivals are conducted in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. During > these days several traditional rituals are observed. The shrine is > traditionally decorated and illuminated with lamps and lights. There are > special poojas and offerings during the festival period Traditional > performing arts, music and dance are staged during the period. Caparisoned > elephants, melam, fireworks and sheevali are part of the festival. The > utsava murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for ritualistic > bathing on the final day. > > Main offerings > > On the month of Karkidakam, large number of devotees will come for > Balipindam (a customs offering food to the departed souls) . > > Kalabhabhishekam, Appam, Ganapathy Homam, Bhagavathy Seva, Archana, > Panchamrutham and Dhara are main offerings. > > ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ is the important offering and the rate fixed for the > same at present is Rs.5000/-. The other important offerings are Ada, > Appam, Maha Ganapathy Homam, Bhagavathy Seva, Archana, Panchamrutham, > Dhara. > > The Utsavam, Masavishesham, Kalabhabhishekam etc. are being done at the > patronage of Shri Narayanan Namboodiri of Thantri family. > > Trikkunnapuzha > > Thrikkunnapuzha is the north-west part of Alappuzha district. Renowned as > Sreemoolavasam, this coastal area found in the Kerala history. *An > ancient port city and a busy port is believed to have been flourishing > there in the ancient days*. > > Some ancient manuscript reveals that this port city situated 5-6Kms away > from the present Sastha Temple which is now eroded by the sea. *Well > known historian Sree Ilamkulam Kunjan Pillai in his famous book > ‘keralolpathi’ described about this place*. > > The Chinese explorer Huan Sang gives a note that, among the inhabitants > here the ‘Pali aryas’ were dominant and *they established a monastery > with holy idles of SreeBudha*. The ancient Sreemoola vasa nagaram was > destroyed by the huge tidal waves from the Arabian Sea. > > Hundreds of years ago Kerala had been ruled by the emperor ‘Cheraman > Perumal’. He established places at Thrikkakkara, Kodungallur, and Kollam > for administrative purpose, and deputed his representatives there. *As he > was an ardent follower of Lord Budha he decided to divide the dynasty among > his sons and went for a holy journey*. As he was traveling with his > servants and budha monks through Ashtamudi kayal and Kayamkulam kayal *he > happened to see a river flowing to north. He continued to travel through > the river. As he traveled more he reached a place were he happened to see a > beautiful lawn and in the middle of which a big Thiru Konna* (a tree > blooming only in the vishu ) > > He stopped his boat and decided to take rest there. People in large number > crowded there to see Perumal and tell their grievance. The brought to > notice, the Sastha idle which they got from sea and the debris of the > ancient temple. Acknowledging their request Perumal build a new temple > and sanctified the idle of Sastha there. ‘Thirukkonna puzha’ called by > Perumal was unified to ‘Thrikkunnapuzha’ as year passed, and the temple > was renowed as ‘Thrikkunnapuzha Sri Dharma Sastha Temple’. > > Address of temple > > Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Thrikkunnapuzha, Alappuzha District- PIN Code- > 690515 Kerala. Phone- 91-479-2482150 > > Accessibility > > Nearest Town/ Landmark/ Junction: Haripad - 13.7 Km Nearest Bus Station: > Haripad Bus Station - 15 Km Nearest Railway Station: Haripad Railway > Station - 15.5 Km > > Nearest Airport: Nedumbassery International Airport - 108 Km > > Administration > > The Honourable Raja of Edapally resolved to hand over the temple and the > movables on the day, to *Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham in the year > 1972*. The devotees, who were confident of the procedures of the > Committee donated to the fund profusely and the fund was utilized to > renovate the temple and erect new “Dhwaja sthambam ”, as well as to > regulate the rituals including yearly festival. In continuation of the > ‘Devaprasnams’ were held on 14th Makaram 1155, 16th Dhanu, 1160, 15th > Mithunam 1170 and all renovating were carried out. > > > > > > -- > On Facebook, please join https://www.facebook.com/groups/keralaiyerstrust > > We are now on Telegram Mobile App also, please join > > Pattars/Kerala Iyers Discussions: https://t.me/PattarsGroup > > Kerala Iyers Trust Decisions only posts : https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrust > > Kerala Iyers Trust Group for Discussions: > https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrustGroup > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "KeralaIyers" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/2114197742.123364.1752734532088%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/2114197742.123364.1752734532088%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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