Neem Karoli Baba
Neeb Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji, was a revered Hindu guru and devotee of Lord Hanuman. Born as Lakshman Narayan Sharma in 1900 into a Brahmin family in the village of Akbarpur in the Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, At the age of 11, he entered into a marital union with a Brahmin girl. However, shortly after his marriage, he chose to renounce his worldly ties and embark on a spiritual journey, wandering across India as a sadhu.
While the correct name of baba is Neeb Karori Baba, he is popularly known as Neem Karoli Baba among the social media due to incorrect pronunciation by most of the devotees.
About Neem Karori Baba
Legend has it that by the age of 17, Nib Karori Baba had attained profound wisdom. After a span of 10–15 years, news reached his father that he had been sighted in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. His father, eager to reunite with his son, hastened to the district and insisted that he return home and be with the family. Despite having two sons and a daughter, Neem Karoli Baba, during his time at home, actively engaged himself in social service and humanitarian endeavors.
Neem Karoli Baba gained a following and established ashrams, including the renowned Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand and in many other cities. These ashrams became spiritual centers, attracting devotees from various backgrounds. Neem Karoli Baba's teachings emphasized love, service, and devotion. During his earthly existence, Neem Karoli Baba oversaw the construction of two main ashrams, one at Kainchi and another in Vrindavan, both serving as spiritual sanctuaries for seekers.
His divine presence inspired the creation of over 100 temples dedicated to his name, echoing the enduring impact of his teachings and the deep reverence he commanded. Throughout his life, he bore various names, such as Lakshman Das, Handi Wallah Baba, and Tikonia Walla Baba. During his austere practices in the village of Vavania in Gujarat, he was recognized as Tallaiya Baba. On September 11, 1973, Neem Karoli Baba died in a Vrindavan hospital. A samadhi shrine was established within the Vrindavan ashram complex, where several of his personal belongings are also housed.
Neem Karoli Baba Temple
There are several temples dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji) in different parts of India and around the world. One of the most well-known ashrams associated with Neem Karoli Baba is the Kainchi Dham Ashram, located near Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand. This ashram is considered one of the main centers of worship for Neem Karoli Baba's devotees.
History of Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is a spiritual ashram and temple located in the Kumoan Hills near the town of Nainital in Uttarakhand. In 1961, Neem Karoli Baba visited Kainchi Dham for the first time and, together with his old friend, considered the idea of establishing an ashram at the site. Baba Neem Karoli established this ashram in 1964.
The ashram is dedicated to the revered Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba, who lived there for a significant period. Kainchi Dham" translates to scissors dam in English, and the ashram is named after two sharp hairpin bends in the mountainous road leading to the site, resembling a pair of scissors. His statue was consecrated on June 15, 1976. Every year on the 15th of June, the Bhandara is organized, and many pilgrims are fed.
Neem Karoli Baba Avatar of Lord Hanuman ji
Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji, was a devoted Hanuman bhakt, expressing deep reverence and devotion to Lord Hanuman. His spiritual practices, teachings, and interactions often reflected his profound connection with Hanuman. Many believers believe that Neem Karoli Baba is an embodiment of Lord Hanuman.
Devotees, both from within the country and abroad, flock to seek blessings at the place where Baba resided. To honor Baba's connection with Hanuman, thousands have contributed to the construction of a significant Hanuman temple at this sacred site. Neem Karoli Baba, a devout devotee of Hanuman, played a pivotal role in establishing numerous Hanuman temples across the country.
Neem Karoli Baba as Chamatkari Baba
Neem Karoli Baba is known as "Chamatkari Baba" among his devotees because of the numerous miracles and divine incidents associated with him. Neem Karoli Baba's life is enshrined with tales of extraordinary events, mystical experiences, and miraculous interventions that have profoundly impacted those fortunate enough to encounter him.
There are many Chamatkari Kahani of Neem Karoli Baba, and devotees believe that Neem Karoli Baba continues to guide and protect them, offering spiritual guidance and assistance in times of need even after his physical departure. Many devotees attribute personal transformations, both spiritual and worldly, to their connection with Neem Karoli Baba.
What is offered to Neem Karoli Baba
Baba Neem Karoli's ashram at Kainchi Dham, devotees express their reverence by presenting not only traditional prasad like sweets, fruits, and money but also by continuing a longstanding tradition of offering blankets. The inclusion of blankets in these offerings not only signifies practical support but also embodies the ashram's commitment to selfless service, reflecting the teachings and spirit of Neem Karoli Baba in this spiritual haven.
Mystery Behind Offering Blanket to Neem Karoli Baba
There was an elderly couple in Fatehgarh who were devout followers of Baba Neem Karoli. One day, unexpectedly, Baba arrived at their home and informed them that he would be staying there for the night. Hearing this, the couple was overjoyed, but they were perplexed about how they, being poor, would properly honor Baba. They arranged for Baba's reverence according to their capabilities and organized a meal. Later, they provided a charpoy (a traditional cot) for Baba to sleep on and a blanket for covering. The couple themselves slept near Baba's charpoy. During the night, they observed Baba wrapped in the blanket, seemingly in discomfort, as if someone were beating him. The night was incredibly difficult for the couple.
In the morning, Baba handed the blanket to the couple and instructed them to release it into the flowing Ganga without opening it. When the couple was about to release the blanket into the Ganga, suddenly its weight became so heavy, as if it contained a heap of iron. However, Baba had instructed them not to open the blanket, so the couple followed his guidance and released it into the Ganga.
A month later, the couple's only son, who had been away, returned home. The couple's son was a soldier in the British army and was serving in the military during World War II. Due to his involvement in the war, the couple lived in constant worry. When their son returned home safely, the joy of the parents knew no bounds.
However, the son shared that about a month ago, during a battle, all his comrades had been killed, and he was the sole survivor. Surprisingly, he had not been hit by a single bullet when the enemy was firing. The couple recalled that a month prior, Baba Neem Karoli had stayed at their home and had seemed distressed during the night. They understood that it was due to Baba's divine intervention that their son had returned safely. It is said that devotees at Kainchi Dham offer blankets to Baba, wishing for the end of all difficulties in life.
Neem Karoli Baba Kainchi Dham Location
Located near Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand, this ashram is one of the main centers associated with Neem Karoli Baba. It is where he spent time in the early 1960s and is considered a significant pilgrimage site for his devotees.
Address - Kainchi dham, Uttarakhand 263132
How to Reach Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Kainchi Dham
To reach Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham, you can follow these general directions.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 114 kilometers away. Another option is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, which is about 330 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other available transportation to reach Kainchi Dham.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is around 40 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Kainchi Dham.
By Road: You can find regular bus services from Delhi to Nainital or Haldwani. Once you reach Nainital or Haldwani, you can take local buses or hire a taxi to cover the remaining distance to Kainchi Dham, which is about 17 kilometers from Nainital.
