Series Flying Castles 2013 – 2026

Flying Castles: A photo book on Vimanas observed worldwide

The ‘Vimanas,’ or Flying Castles, are fascinating and often mysterious objects in human culture, particularly in ancient Indian traditions. The word originates from Sanskrit (विमान, ‘vimāna’), and literally means something like “measuring out” or “having been measured,” but in context, it came to signify palaces, chariots, or flying vehicles.

For humanity, vimanas hold different layers of meaning, depending on whether we view them historically, symbolically, or speculatively:

In ancient texts like the Vedas, and especially the Ramayana and Mahabharata, vimanas are described as aerial chariots used by gods, heroes, or kings. These flying vehicles could travel across great distances—sometimes even into space or between worlds. They are often depicted with advanced capabilities, such as vertical takeoff, invisibility, tremendous speeds, and weaponry resembling energy beams. This makes them an ancient counterpart to what we now call “UFOs” or “spaceships.”

For the human imagination, vimanas symbolize humanity’s timeless dream of flight. Long before airplanes, people envisioned transcending gravity and moving freely through the skies. They also represent the intersection of myth, technology, and divinity—vehicles not just for travel, but for linking the human and the cosmic.

In modern interpretations, some see vimanas as purely mythological—poetic symbols of power, freedom, or divine presence. Others, including alternative historians and UFO researchers, suggest they might represent lost ancient technology or extraterrestrial contact. These theorists propose that ancient peoples might have witnessed something they tried to describe with their limited vocabulary. In this sense, vimanas fuel modern discussions about human origins, forgotten civilizations, and the possibility of advanced technology in antiquity.

Regardless of whether they are myth or misunderstood reality, vimanas continue to inspire engineers, visionaries, and writers. They embody humanity’s eternal quest to break limits—fly higher, explore farther, and reach beyond Earth. They remind us that myths can sometimes act as blueprints: the dream of the vimana eventually led to the airplane, and perhaps one day, to the interstellar craft.

More recent sightings of these Vimanas, these Flying Castles, observed worldwide from places like Detroit, Tokyo, Delhi, Kolkata, Valparaiso, Beijing, Buenos Aires, and others are collected in this photo book.