Meet Neem Karoli Baba, mystical saint worshipped as incarnation of Lord Hanuman

Who is Neem Karoli Baba?

Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba or Maharaj-ji, was a Hindu guru and devotee of the Hindu deity Hanuman. He has been worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. He lived from around 1900 to 1973.

Early life

He was born in 1900 in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh. His original name was Lakshmi Narayan Sharma. Born into a wealthy family, he married young but left home at around 12 to become a wandering ascetic (sadhu). Later he returned home to live a settled married life. He had two sons and one daughter.

Why is he famous?

It is claimed that he possessed mystical skills and was able to predict the future. He was well renowned for his kindness and charity, and he frequently donated everything he owned. Many people are said to have been inspired by him on their spiritual journeys, including Western seekers such as Bhagavan Das and Ram Dass.

Teachings and Legacy

He was a follower of bhakti yoga (path of devotion) and emphasized selfless service (seva) to others. Known for his simple and direct teachings, often summarized as Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God, and tell the truth. Gained fame in the West in the 1960s and 70s as the guru of several American seekers.

Death anniversary

Baba died in the early morning hours of September 1973 in a hospital at Vrindavan as he slipped into a coma but he left behind a legacy that is cherished by his followers including Ramm Dass and Larry Brilliant who have established Seva Foundation in Berkley, California.

Kainchi Dham

Neem Karoli Babas ashram, Kainchi Dham, is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees. It is known by this name as the ashram is built in the shape of scissors. This place also features a temple of Baba Neem Karoli.

Visitors of Kainchi Dham

Cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma along with their daughter have visited his ashram in Vrindavan. Apart from them, Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife had visited the dham a week before. Back in 1974, Steve Jobs along with his friend had travelled to India to meet him but could not meet as he had died by then.