Fact or fiction? Viral video claiming 188-year-old man rescued from Bengaluru cave turns out to be… | Bengaluru

“This Indian man was just found in a cave. It is said that he is 188 years old. “Insane,” the post says. With such a tantalizing claim, the video quickly went viral, racking up over 34 million views. Watch the video here:

But social media users, fact-checkers and media reports quickly doused the flames.

As the video gained traction, Platform X intervened with a disclaimer. It turns out that the elderly gentleman is not a time-traveling relic, but a revered Hindu saint named Siyaram Baba, who actually comes from Madhya Pradesh. His real age? About 110 years old, which, while still impressive, is short of the nearly two centuries touted in the viral clip.

“Misinformation! The elderly man is a Hindu saint named 'Siyaram Baba' who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India. He is reportedly around 110 years old,” the disclaimer reads.

According to a recent Navbharat Times article, Siyaram Baba lives at the Bhatyan Ashram on the banks of the Narmada River and is famous for his legendary stories, including a decade in which he stood on one leg in penance. Even at 109, he can reportedly read the Ramayana without glasses and continues to live independently. Devotees flock to seek his blessings, even though he tends to talk very little.

Further clarification came from D-Intent Data, which called the video misleading and stressed that the saint's age remains speculation and some local legends claim he could be up to 130 years old.

“I'm embarrassed to have even written 188. Anything over 120 would have been ridiculous. Unless he found a lifetime supply of Adrenawhatnotnow,” the original user said.

The post also sparked some hilarious responses. “Probably should have left him there. Seems to work,” wrote one user.

“The Democrats will try to run this guy for president next,” said another.