Following the devastating flash floods in Nepal on August 26, 2026, social media platforms have seen a surge in viral content claiming the discovery of a massive, 30-tonne Shaligram stone in the Muktinath region. The posts allege that the artifact, described as being over 170 million years old, was unearthed by the force of the recent floodwaters. However, independent verification indicates that these claims are false and represent a recycled piece of misinformation.
According to reports from Alt News, the video circulating online does not depict a natural geological discovery. Instead, the footage shows a sculpture that was crafted between April and May 2026. The viral narrative attempts to link this man-made object to the current natural disaster in Nepal, likely to exploit the emotional response of the public during a time of crisis.
Shaligrams are ammonite fossils held in high religious significance in Hinduism, typically found in the Gandaki River basin. While genuine Shaligrams are found in the region, the specific object featured in the viral videos has been confirmed by multiple fact-checking outlets as a contemporary sculpture. Authorities and local experts have cautioned the public against sharing unverified claims regarding the disaster, noting that such misinformation can complicate relief efforts and spread confusion during the ongoing recovery operations.
The claim that a 170-million-year-old, 30-tonne Shaligram was discovered in Nepal following recent floods is a recurring piece of misinformation. Fact-checkers have previously identified the viral video as a sculpture created in April-May 2026, which is being falsely linked to the August 2026 flood disaster to generate social media engagement.
No corroborating trusted sources found.
Original report: Alt News