Hinduism does not explicitly mention "aliens" as understood in modern science fiction, but many Hindu scriptures and philosophical traditions describe a vast, multi-layered universe teeming with diverse life forms, which some interpret as extraterrestrial or non-human intelligent beings.
Hindu Cosmology and the Concept of Lokas
Hinduism teaches the existence of 14 lokas (realms or planes of existence), including the earthly plane (Bhu-loka), celestial realms (like Svarga), and subterranean worlds (Patala). These realms are inhabited by various beings—devas (gods), asuras (demigods), gandharvas (celestial musicians), apsaras (nymphs), yakshas, and nagas (serpentine beings)—who are often described as having advanced abilities or non-human forms. These entities are considered "extra-terrestrial" in the literal sense—existing beyond Earth—but are not necessarily from other planets in a scientific sense.
Reincarnation and the Fluidity of Life Forms
The Hindu concept of samsara (cycle of rebirth) allows for souls to be reborn in any form—human, animal, or even divine or celestial beings—based on karma. This means that a human could be reincarnated as an alien-like being, and vice versa. Some Hindus view advanced extraterrestrial civilizations as spiritually evolved or advanced beings, possibly even deities or enlightened entities.
Scriptural References
The Puranas describe multiple planetary systems and civilizations. For example, C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON) noted in his commentary on the Bhagavata Purana that there are 400,000 species of human-like beings across the universe.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata contain stories of beings like vanaras (monkey-like beings), kinnaras (half-human, half-animal), and divine beings traveling between worlds—some of which resemble alien or interstellar travelers.
The Srimad Bhagavatam describes a past civilization on Earth that achieved advanced technology, including space travel, but used it for conquest rather than spiritual growth—suggesting a warning about technological advancement without wisdom.
Modern Interpretations
Many contemporary Hindus and scholars see Hindu cosmology as compatible with the idea of extraterrestrial life. Some even interpret ancient texts as describing advanced civilizations or interplanetary travel. The idea that "aliens" are just another form of jivatma (soul), capable of spiritual evolution, aligns with core Hindu principles.
Conclusion
While Hinduism does not use the term "aliens," its rich cosmology, belief in countless life forms across multiple realms, and the possibility of reincarnation into non-human or celestial bodies make the concept of extraterrestrial life not only plausible but deeply embedded in its worldview. Belief in such beings is not contradictory to Hinduism and is often seen as a natural extension of its vast, inclusive understanding of existence.
Are aliens watching us ?
Aliens watching you !
While the modern cosmologists [especially the SETI - project] are aiming their telescopes at the far away galaxies and stars in search of ‘aliens’ the Hindu scriptures claim that ‘aliens’ are in fact present around us ‘unnoticed’ not just visiting us from somewhere, but they are inhabiting this very planet along with us.
Apart from the ‘alien’ beings in the other invisible universes as explained in the last post under the heading, - Where are the aliens ? - the Hindu scriptures claim that some kind of beings are present right around us, inhabiting this very planet having their own colonies. They could observe us too but, we fail to notice them generally. Yet - by means of some specialized ‘tantric practices’, we could observe and communicate with them too!
The ‘tantric’ scriptures [tantra sastra] of the Hinduism say that – these life forms, that are formed with the strange [for us they are strange!] particles [other than the matter particles we know - and this could be the dark matter too - the modern cosmologists are searching for!] that we fail to notice but, those ‘beings’ can notice ‘us’ formed with the ‘matter particles’ constituting the ‘nucleons’ [electron, proton and neutron]. According to the Hinduism many such ‘beings’ are wandering or living around ‘us’, though we [the modern science] fail to notice them, they could notice our presence and even in some cases those ‘beings’ try to contact or communicate with us but, we fail to catch them. So, in your room you are not present alone but, many of these ‘alien’ beings are watching you right there. Please note that these beings are not ‘ghosts’ or something of that sort but, they are totally different beings and they will [can’t] not harm you at all.
The ‘tantric scriptures’ of the Hinduism claim that – using some special ‘tantric’ practices ‘we’ could communicate with those ‘alien’ beings and befriend them as well.
Aliens befriending us !
The Hindu scriptures point out at some other type of ‘aliens’ those are living in colonies in this very [our] universe but, away from us might be on some invisible [to our sciences] places but, not with the matter particles [might be some type of unknown matter, dark matter - the modern cosmologists are searching for!] we know and we are with. Hinduism says some of them are more matured than ‘us’ and some of the names of these ‘alien’ forms are also mentioned, some examples being: Kinneras, Kimpurushas, Gandharvas, etc. The Hinduism claims that – near the Himalayan Mountains one such ‘alien’ colony is present and the name of it is ‘Gandharva-loka’, it means the world [loka] of ‘Gandharvas’. It is also mentioned that the Hindu sages were visiting them frequently and they [the Gandharvas] too were visiting the India in those ancient days. The Hindu scriptures claim that – these aliens are visiting our Earth even now, but ‘we’ fail to notice them.
The Hindu scriptures also add that – now the people [we] fail to see them [above mentioned aliens] because ‘we’ are not pure in mind [mentally not matured enough] and those ‘aliens’ dislike to appear or talk to the ‘inferior’ beings like ‘us’. But, the olden Hindu scriptures have many citations to the alien contacts and even they ‘cite’ the marriages between ‘humans’ and the ‘aliens’ mentioned in the above paragraph - as the ancient Hindus were very near to these ‘aliens’ in maturity. But, the scriptures claim that even now, we could contact them with some specialized ‘spiritual practices’ - as these practices could ‘elevate’ us to their maturity level.
While the Hindu scriptures describe these different types [see other 2 articles on this site on aliens] of ‘aliens’ present in this [our] universe and other universes too, they are not positive on the type of ‘aliens’ the modern cosmologists are searching for, the ‘aliens’ residing on some far away planet that is similar to our Earth and just like ‘us’.