The First Alien Temple in India: Intersection of Extra-terrestrial Belief and Indian Spirituality

~ Debashri Mandal

“Alien Temple”—doesn’t this sound strange? Rather interesting.  As we know, India has always been a land renowned for its spiritual diversity, and the blend of ancient traditions and cultural dogmas has long been questioned and tested for new religious movements and unconventional expressions of faith and beliefs. And in recent years, things have changed a lot and grown into a different set of opinions and principles about everything existing, and accordingly, this subcontinent has witnessed the emergence of another phenomenon that might have connected the cosmic and the terrestrial: the construction of a temple dedicated to an “Alien God,” explicitly dedicated to an extraterrestrial deity, located in the Mallamupampatti area of Salem district in Tamil Nadu. Often referred to as the “Alien Temple” or “Alien Siddhar Temple,” it is said to have been constructed by a resident known as Loganathan, who is also called Siddhar Pakiya or Siddhar Bhakiya. It is situated inside the “Kailaya Shiva Temple” complex, and the idol of the “Alien God” is installed in a meditation room eleven feet under the ground, unlike the conventional architecture of a Hindu temple. The temple has been recently reported in the Indian media since around mid-2024, highlighting its out-of-the-ordinary focus on extraterrestrial beings as objects of worship. Now this has become a subject of curiosity, debate, and, shockingly, pilgrimage for some, drawing attention both from India and beyond; it might be the world’s first formal shrine to honor an alien deity.

According to the reports from various media outlets, Siddhar stated that his motivation was deeply spiritual; he claimed that he had had psychic encounters with the extraterrestrials, whom he calls “aliens,” who communicated with him and gave their blessing for a temple in their honour. He describes these beings as cosmic deities, not hostile invaders, but benevolent entities that could elevate human life and help save the world from disaster. Siddhar believes that these were not just speculations—he says he built the temple only after “taking permission” from these extraterrestrials. In his worldview, aliens are the first cosmic deities, created by Lord Shiva himself. This is not just a fringe idea for Siddhar: it’s the very foundation of his spiritual mission. However, the site is not exclusively devoted to its extraterrestrial figure. Alongside the alien idol, there are traditional Hindu deities: Shiva, Parvati, Murugan, and Kali, all of whom have a dedicated place of their own in the temple complex. This interwinding of old and new—the cosmic and the terrestrial—underscores the heterogeneous nature of this temple.

Descriptions of the statue suggest that it bears resemblance to classic pop-culture portrayals of extraterrestrials—large head, slender body, “ET-like” features. But Siddhar clarifies that the aliens he met in clairvoyance or psychic form did not necessarily appear as the stereotypical “little green men.” Rather, he says, they come in both male and female forms, more human-like in their essence. To Siddhar, the alien beings he venerates are not simply visitors; they occupy the highest spiritual rung in his cosmology. He believes these extraterrestrials are the first cosmic deities, specifically created by Lord Shiva before other divine or earthly beings. According to him, these beings are benevolent. They are not here to conquer but to guide, and maybe sometimes to explore or, most probably, to accidentally come upon earth with or without some reason. He also proclaims, “Aliens are the only gods who can save the world from disaster … they have supernatural power.” Siddhar maintains that alien visitations are increasing, though many governments conceal their presence. He argues that worshiping these beings can improve people’s lives—elevating their form, career, and spiritual understanding. He claims personal encounters, having “seen and spoken with aliens … twice” in clairvoyant or psychic form. In Siddhar’s vision, alien spirituality is not separate from Hindu thought but an extension.

Various news articles about this alien temple have been circulated and increasing curiosity and skepticism among netizens. Major news outlets like ABP Live report that the temple occupies three-quarters of an acre and acknowledge that Siddhar claims to have taken “permission” from the extraterrestrials themselves. Media reports confirm videos showing an alien temple are from Mallamupampatti in Salem.  Moreover, on social media platforms, opinions varied interestingly. People viewed Siddhar’s initiative as progressive, while others have seen it as eccentric or a publicity stunt. For many, the thought of worshipping aliens challenges traditional religious beliefs and sensibilities, while others have interpreted this as a modern and futuristic take on spirituality.

This temple is not merely a local curiosity but reflects unnamed tensions in Indian spirituality and global culture. Merging traditional Hindu deities (Shiva, Parvati, Murugan, and Kali) with a newly introduced alien as a god in the temple reflects how religious practice can adapt and absorb new narratives. It signals a heterogeneous spirituality, where ancient belief systems coexist with modern myths about extraterrestrials. In this age of climate catastrophe, geopolitical instability, and existential uncertainty, some people look beyond human-centered faiths for salvation. Siddhar’s message—that associating aliens with the expectation of cosmic saviours—taps into a yearning for other worlds’ help, thinking something more advanced than the terrestrial gods. This is a sign of how globalization and the spread of UFO lore have entered even deeply religious societies.

While the alien temple stands out as an extraordinary performance, it is not without its own set of challenges. Some question the legitimacy of Siddhar’s encounters and whether the “aliens” he describes are real or symbolic. An underground temple might pose structural risks. There are no clear reports on how the site is regulated or maintained. Critics worry whether the temple could become a tourist attraction, commodifying a spiritual belief for profit.

Our country has always been a land of different faiths and principles; this temple extends that into the divine theories, suggesting that spirituality can adapt in unexpected ways. As science advances and humanity tries to renovate life beyond Earth, new mythologies can be created. Siddhar’s temple is potentially a pioneer of one such mythology. This brings up a topic of discussion between religious scholars, sociologists, and researchers on public platforms. It brings questions about the people’s faith, the actual reality, and the unknown. On the other hand, for Siddhar and his followers, the alien god is a source of guidance and salvation.  UFO enthusiasts, researchers, and even academic scholars might take notice of this. The temple could become a site for debate on the intersection of faith and extraterrestrial life. If this model resonates, similar temples might appear elsewhere, blending local traditions with alien mythology. We might see a wave across different regions

The” Alien temple” of Mallamupampatti in Salem district is a significant symbol of how faith can adapt with time and circumstances in the modern age. Built by Siddhar Bhakiya (Siddhar Pakiya), who claims to have communicated with extraterrestrials, the temple weaves together Hindu tradition and a futuristic vision of cosmic beings. Its underground idol, its theology of benevolent alien gods, and its bold claim that these beings were created by Lord Shiva make it one of the most extraordinary spiritual experiments in India today. Whether one views this as a genuine act of faith, a spiritual innovation, or a media curiosity, the temple raises profound questions: What is divine? Whom do we worship? And could our gods come from the stars? As humanity continues to grapple with its place in the universe, the Salem alien temple raises numerous questions of how far spirituality can expand — even to the furthest reaches of imagination, which we never know.