Jesus in India & Kashmir? Exploring the Theory of Jesus Christ’s Journey to India and His ‘Final Years’ in Kashmir

By Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, New Age Islam 27 May 2025 An objective probe into the theory that “Jesus survived crucifixion, travelled to the Indian subcontinent and finally rested in Kashmir” Main Points: 1. The article investigates the “Roza Bal Theory”, a debatable theory that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion, travelled to India, and lived in Kashmir under the name "Yuz Asaf," where he is believed by some to be buried at the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar. 2. The association of “Yuz Asaf” with Jesus gained popularity through the writings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community who has copiously quoted from the Buddhist and other scriptural and historical texts, and hence cannot be rejected outright. Local legends also contribute to the theory, although many regard Yuz Asaf simply as a Sufi mystic. 3. Evidence Cited by Proponents of this theory include o Crucifixion-like markings on footprints at Roza Bal. o Jewish-style burial alignment of the tomb. o Oral traditions of a foreign prophet residing in Kashmir. 4. Mainstream Religious Rejection: However, Christianity teaches Jesus ascended to heaven post-resurrection, while Islam holds that he was raised bodily to God without being crucified. Thus, both religions reject the idea of his burial on Earth. 5. This article also reproduces literature supporting the “Roza Bal Theory”. Numerous books explore and promote this theory, including: o Jesus Lived in India by Holger Kersten o Jesus in India by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad o The Fifth Gospel and A Search for the Historical Jesus by Fida Hassnain o Jesus in Kashmir by Suzanne Olsson o The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ by Nicolas Notovitch ------ Did Jesus Christ really travel to India and finally settled in Kashmir? Was he named “Yuz Asaf” when he arrived here in the Indian subcontinent? Is the Christ buried in what is called “Roza Bal” shrine situated in Srinagar, which has been a site of local reverence for centuries? These questions seriously catch my attention whenever I visit the valley of Kashmir now after I paid a visit to the shrine of a sage named “Yuz Asaf” near the Dargah of Dastgir Saheb in Srinagar’s Khanyar district. I heard two narrations from the local people: One—that a Sufi sage named Yuz Asaf appeared in Kashmir somewhere in the 18th century, though some accounts suggest even earlier origins. But over time, the story of Yuz Asaf came to be linked with Jesus Christ, especially through the research and writings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani—the founder of Ahmadiyya Jama’at. Therefore, local Muslims generally regard him as a Sufi mystic, not as Jesus. Two—that many historical accounts have formed the basis for the theory of “Yuz Asaf” being the Christ. This is based on interpretations of scriptural texts mainly from Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism, cultural parallels, and anecdotal accounts rather than concrete historical evidence. But, of course, this apparently stands completely against the consensus of Islam and the mainstream Christianity regarding the heavenly ascension or the earthly crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The question of what happened to Jesus Christ after the crucifixion has long fascinated scholars, theologians, and seekers of truth in world faith traditions. While mainstream Christianity holds that Jesus was crucified, died, and resurrected before ascending to heaven, an alternative theory posits that he survived the crucifixion and eventually travelled to the Indian subcontinent, where he died a natural death. Central to this theory is the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir, which some believe to be the final resting place of Jesus Christ. According to this theory, Jesus did not die on the cross but instead recovered from his wounds and journeyed eastward. He is said to have lived the remainder of his life in Kashmir under the name “Yuz Asaf”, a sage historically revered in the region by the local people. This belief holds that the tomb of Yuz Asaf, located in Roza Bal, is in fact the tomb of Jesus Christ. Evidence Cited by Supporters Proponents of the theory that Jesus is buried in Roza Bal offer several pieces of evidence: • Rock Carving: Inside the shrine, a carving said to show footprints bearing marks of crucifixion wounds is cited as evidence that the person buried there had been crucified. • Jewish Burial Alignment: The orientation of the tomb is reportedly consistent with Jewish burial traditions, unlike Islamic burial customs. • Oral Traditions: Some Kashmiri oral histories speak of a foreign prophet or sage who lived and died in the region, lending weight to the claim. Mainstream Religious Rejection Despite its appeal to some, the theory is widely rejected by mainstream Christianity and Islam. Both religions believe that Jesus was not buried on Earth—Christians hold that he ascended to heaven after resurrection, while Muslims believe he was raised bodily by God without being crucified. Thus, the theory that Jesus Christ is buried in Kashmir remains a controversial and largely fringe belief, primarily endorsed by the Ahmadiyya community. While it has sparked curiosity and debate, it lacks widespread acceptance among religious scholars and historians. Yet, it continues to captivate the imagination of those intrigued by the mysteries surrounding Jesus’s life and legacy. Whether viewed as a genuine possibility or a speculative myth, the story of Roza Bal challenges conventional narratives and invites deeper exploration into the intersection of faith, history, and culture. Therefore, the idea that Jesus Christ travelled to India, though not supported by mainstream historical or biblical scholarship, is a topic of deep interest in various spiritual traditions. Despite scepticism, the issue has sparked great curiosity in the idea that Jesus had travelled to the East which later inspired spiritual seekers to explore connections between the Semitic faith traditions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—and Eastern religions especially Hinduism and Buddhism, Jesus is believed to have learned in India. As a matter of fact, there are several research works that explore the theory that Jesus survived the crucifixion and lived out his remaining years in Kashmir. Though these works have been met with scepticism by mainstream scholars and theologians, who argue that the evidence provided is circumstantial and lacks concrete historical documentation, this writer would argue that they cannot be dismissed and rejected outright. The main argumentation of the critics is that these books rely heavily on interpretations of ancient texts and cultural parallels, which may not be definitive proof of Jesus's presence in India. Here are some seminal books that have been written to establish and endorse this theory. These works often blend historical research with spiritual and anecdotal narratives. Please take a look: 1. "Jesus Died in Kashmir" by Noorani Noorani: This book examines the theory that Jesus lived and died in Kashmir, focusing on local legends and the Roza Bal shrine, which some claim is Jesus's tomb. 2. "The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ" by Levi H. Dowling: A spiritual text that narrates the life of Jesus, including travels to India, Tibet, and Egypt. It is not considered historical but is influential in some New Age circles. 3. "Jesus: His Life and Teachings" by Paramahansa Yogananda: This book includes Yogananda’s insights into Jesus’s life and spiritual teachings, including his supposed travels to India. It’s a blend of biography and spiritual commentary. 4. "Jesus Lived in India" by Holger Kersten: This work explores the idea that Jesus spent his "lost years" studying in India and later returned there after surviving the crucifixion. 5. "The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ" by Nicolas Notovitch: This book claims that Jesus travelled to India and studied Buddhism during his youth. 6. "Jesus in India" by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad: Written by the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, this book argues that Jesus survived the crucifixion, travelled to India, lived, got married and died a natural death in Kashmir. It combines religious beliefs with historical research. 7. “The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ” by Levi H. Dowling: This book presents Jesus as a world teacher who travelled to various countries including India, Tibet, Persia, Assyria, Greece, and Egypt to study the wisdom of different spiritual traditions before beginning his ministry in Palestine. It is seen as a spiritual text that claims to offer a complete account of Jesus’s life, including his "lost years"—the period between ages 12 and 30 not covered in the canonical Gospels. 8. “Jesus: His Life and Teachings” by Paramahansa Yogananda: A profound exploration of the life, mission, and spiritual message of Jesus Christ through the lens of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the most influential Indian yogis of the 20th century, this multi-volume work (compiled from his lectures, writings, and talks) is part of Yogananda’s broader effort to show the spiritual unity between Eastern and Western religions—particularly Hinduism and Christianity. 9. “Jesus in Kashmir: The Lost Tomb” by Suzanne Olsson. The theory of Jesus's presence in Kashmir is also explored in this book. The author has carried out a provocative exploration into the theory that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion and spent his remaining years in India, specifically in Kashmir. Olsson delves into historical texts, local traditions, and archaeological findings to support her hypothesis, centering her research around the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, which some believe to be the final resting place of Jesus. Olsson's work is a blend of historical investigation and personal narrative. She examines ancient manuscripts, such as the 17th-century Tarikh-i-Kashmir by Khwaja Hassan Malik, which mentions an inscription noting that “Yuz Asaf” entered Kashmir in 78 AD. She also references the Bhavishya Mahapurana, an old Hindu text that records Jesus living in Kashmir years after his crucifixion. Olsson suggests that Yuz Asaf was, in fact, Jesus Christ, who travelled to Kashmir after surviving the crucifixion. A significant aspect of Olsson's work is her proposal to conduct DNA testing on remains from various tombs, including Roza Bal, to establish a genetic link to Jesus Christ. She hoped to compare DNA from these sites with that of families claiming descent from Jesus, particularly those in Kashmir who identify as Desposyni, or descendants of Jesus. However, these efforts faced substantial resistance from local authorities and religious groups, who viewed such actions as desecration. Before delving into the ideas and the findings in these books, let us first understand the canonical Christian doctrine about the coruscation of Jesus Christ. The mainstream Christian belief is that Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, died, and was resurrected. The traditional Christian theology does not mention Jesus traveling to India or Kashmir at any point. However, the non-traditional or spiritual theories suggest Jesus may have traveled to India or Kashmir. These theories are mainly based on the following points of contention: 1. The "Lost Years of the Christ" Theory (Ages 12–30): The Bible is mostly silent about Jesus’s life between ages 12 and 30. Therefore, some theorists claim Jesus travelled to India, Tibet, or Kashmir during this time to study with Hindu or Buddhist teachers. 2. Post-Crucifixion Survival Theory: Some suggest Jesus survived the crucifixion and later travelled to Kashmir, where he lived out the rest of his life. The Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir, is claimed by some to be Jesus’s tomb. This theory is promoted by books like "Jesus Lived in India" by Holger Kersten, but it is rejected by mainstream historians and theologians. They aver that this is a speculative theory with no strong historical evidence. According to the mainstream theology of both Christianity and Islam, there is no credible historical evidence that Jesus travelled to Kashmir. The story of Roza Bal Shrine of Jesus Christ, they say, is based on local legends and later interpretations, not contemporary historical sources. Thus, the theory that Jesus Christ travelled to India and Kashmir remains a fringe theory outside of mainstream Christianity and Islam. However, it is an interesting idea which few have really tried to explore. To fill this gap, let us take a look at one of the books that claim to offer solid evidence on the theory that Jesus not only travelled but actually lived and died in India. One notable book that I would like to discuss here is: "Jesus Lived in India" by Holger Kersten. It explores the idea of Jesus travelling to India after surviving the crucifixion, often blending history, spirituality, and alternative theories, as follows: In Jesus Lived in India, theologian Holger Kersten reproduces substantial amount of evidence to support the controversial theory that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion and spent significant portions of his life in India, studying Buddhism and later returning to Kashmir to die in an old age. Thus, this book comes up with provocative finding that challenge the traditional theology and narratives revolving around Jesus's life and death in Christianity. Whether one accepts or rejects Kersten's claims, the book encourages readers to explore alternative viewpoints and consider the possibility of cross-cultural influences on religious history. Here are the key takeaways from the book: Key Takeaways: 1. Youthful Journey to India: Kersten suggests that during his youth, Jesus travelled along the ancient Silk Road to India, where he studied Buddhism and adopted its teachings, becoming a spiritual master. 2. Survival of the Crucifixion: Contrary to traditional Christian doctrine, Kersten posits that Jesus survived the crucifixion. 3. Return to India: After the resurrection, Jesus allegedly returned to India, where he lived out his later years and died in old age. 4. Burial in Kashmir: The book claims that Jesus was buried in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, where his tomb is still revered by locals. Supporting Evidence: • Historical Sites: Kersten explores various historical sites connected with Jesus in Israel, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and India to support his claims. • Cultural Parallels: The book highlights similarities between Jesus's teachings and Buddhist philosophy, suggesting a cross-cultural exchange. • Ancient Texts: Kersten references ancient texts and accounts, including those by Russian scholar Nicolai Notovitch, who in 1887 claimed to have discovered records of Jesus's life in India. Critique and Controversy: While Kersten's book presents an alternative perspective on Jesus's life, it has been met with scepticism by mainstream scholars and theologians. Many argue that the evidence provided is circumstantial and lacks concrete historical documentation. Critics also point out that the book relies heavily on interpretations of ancient texts and cultural parallels, which may not be definitive proof of Jesus's presence in India. Professor Fida Hassnain—a Kashmiri historian and archaeologist—extensively researched the theory that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion and spent his remaining years in India, particularly in Kashmir. His notable works, The Fifth Gospel and A Search for the Historical Jesus, delve into this hypothesis by examining various Eastern sources and traditions. Take a look please! The Fifth Gospel (2012) In The Fifth Gospel, Hassnain presents evidence from Tibetan, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu sources to support the claim that Jesus, referred to as "Isha Natha" or "Yuz Asaf" in these texts, travelled to the East after surviving the crucifixion. The book discusses ancient manuscripts and local traditions that suggest Jesus lived in Kashmir, establishing an ashram and teaching spiritual principles. Hassnain also explores the idea that Jesus's teachings were influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. The title "The Fifth Gospel" implies that these Eastern accounts serve as an additional narrative to the four canonical Gospels, offering insights into the "lost years" and later life of Jesus. A Search for the Historical Jesus (1994) This work expands upon the themes introduced in The Fifth Gospel, providing a more detailed examination of the historical and archaeological evidence supporting the theory of Jesus's life in India. Hassnain investigates various sources, including apocryphal texts, Buddhist scriptures, Islamic writings, and Sanskrit literature, to trace Jesus's journey from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent. He discusses the presence of Jewish communities in Kashmir and the linguistic and cultural connections that may link them to the historical Jesus. The book also addresses the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, which some believe to be the tomb of Jesus, and calls for further scholarly research into this claim. Key Themes across Both Works • Survival of the Crucifixion: Hassnain posits that Jesus did not die on the cross but was rescued and later travelled eastward. • Eastern Influence: The books explore how Jesus's teachings may have been shaped by Eastern philosophies, suggesting a synthesis of ideas between early Christianity and Eastern religions. • Roza Bal Shrine: Both works discuss the significance of the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, proposing it as the final resting place of Jesus and advocating for its archaeological examination. • Call for Interfaith Dialogue: Hassnain encourages a re-evaluation of religious histories to foster understanding between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Remarkably, Hassnain also investigates inscriptions at the Temple of Solomon in Srinagar, claimed to have been carved by Jesus and St. Thomas during their visit and repair of the temple. He links the arrival of the Magi with Persian kings of the time, presenting new research to support this connection. While Hassnain's theories have been met with scepticism by mainstream scholars, his works have contributed to ongoing discussions about the historical life of Jesus and the potential intersections between Christianity and Eastern religions. If you're interested in exploring these perspectives further, both The Fifth Gospel and A Search for the Historical Jesus offer comprehensive insights into this alternative narrative. ----- A Regular Columnist with Newageislam.com, Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi is an Indo-Islamic scholar, Sufi poet and English-Arabic-Urdu-Hindi writer with a background in a leading Sufi Islamic seminary in India. He is currently serving as Head of International Affairs at Voice for Peace & Justice, Jammu & Kashmir. 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