Kersten draws on a mix of local legends, apocryphal texts, and architectural evidence to build his case:

Published originally in German in 1981, Kersten’s work has since been translated into 42 languages, selling over 7 million copies by challenging the core narrative of the New Testament. The Central Thesis: Two Journeys to the East

Kersten's research posits that Jesus did not just visit India once, but twice, filling the major gaps in the biblical record.

Most controversially, Kersten claims Jesus survived the crucifixion through advanced yogic techniques or medical intervention by the Essenes. Following his "resurrection," Jesus supposedly returned to India with Mary and his disciples, eventually settling in Kashmir. Evidence and Key Historical Claims

Kersten argues that during the 18-year silence in the Gospels, Jesus traveled the Silk Road to India. There, he allegedly studied under Hindu and Buddhist masters in places like Benares (Varanasi), Jagannath Puri , and Ladakh, integrating Eastern concepts of compassion and non-violence into his own ministry.