About Kainchi Dham
Neem Karoli Baba: A Mystic and Ardent Devotee of Hanuman
Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji, was a Hindu guru and a devotee of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god who represents devoted service. He practiced bhakti yoga, the path of love and devotion, throughout his life and inspired many people with his miracles, teachings, and compassion.
Neem Karoli Baba was born as Lakshmi Narayan Sharma around 1900 in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh. He was married at the age of 11, but left home to become a wandering sadhu. He later returned to his family and had two sons and a daughter. He left home again in 1958 and travelled extensively in northern India, staying in various ashrams and temples. He was given different names by the locals, such as Handi Wallah Baba, Tikonia Walla Baba, Chamatkari Baba, and Tallaiya Baba. He became known as Neem Karoli Baba after he was forced to get off a train at the village of Neem Karoli, where he later established an ashram.
Neem Karoli Baba was a simple and humble saint who wore a plaid blanket and often sat on a wooden bench. He had no fixed schedule and did not follow any rituals or ceremonies. He ate very little and slept wherever he felt like. He did not give formal lectures or instructions, but communicated through stories, jokes, gestures, and silence. He often repeated the name of Ram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and encouraged his devotees to chant the Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman. He also taught them to serve others selflessly, to love everyone as God, and to remember God at all times.