Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of mountains, rivers, spiritual sites, forests, and a lot more. An ideal destination for vacations, thrill and adventures, the state also attracts devotees and spiritual practitioners alike. Adding to its allure and charm lies Kainchi, which is a beautiful secluded mountain ashram located in the Kumaon Hills. Inaugurated in June 1964, the temple is approximately 38 km from Nainital. Several visitors pay a visit to the temples here every day, in season. Rules are strictly enforced and individuals staying at the ashram are required to participate in morning and evening arati.
However, an interesting tale follows the legacy of this ashram which has been visited by followers far and wide. This temple is famous for Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba who founded this temple in 1962.
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Who Was Neem Karoli Baba?
Neem Karoli Baba, who was also known to his followers as 'Maharaj-ji', was a Hindu guru and a devotee of Lord Hanuman. Born as Lakshman Narayan Sharma to a wealthy Brahmin family, Neem Karori Baba left home to become a wandering sadhu, after being married at 11.
The concept of Kainchi Dham came into existence in 1942 when Maharaj Neem Karoli along with Shri Poornanand of the Kainchi Village proposed building an Ashram dedicated to Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba who used to perform yagnas in that very place. Later on, Maharaj Ji constructed a Hanuman Temple adjacent to the Kainchi Temple and an Ashram built for devotees.
His devotees started coming from different places and a chain of bhandaras, kirtans, and bhajans started. The Pran-Pratishtha of idols of Hanumanji and others was performed on 15th June in different years, resulting in the celebration of Pratishtha Divas when a large number of devotees come to Kainchi and get Prasad.
How Did Neem Karoli Baba’s Influence Grow?
It’s not only the Hindus who follow the footsteps and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. Baba's Kainchi Dham has gained global popularity, as devotees flock to this ashram from all over the world. Neem Karoli Baba's ashrams and followers are not only in India but also in countries like Mexico and the United States.
Inspired by the deep faith and belief that Indians have in Neem Karoli Baba, many famous personalities including Steve Jobs, Julia Robers and others have been attracted to Maharaj Ji's spiritual teachings and have travelled to India to seek his blessings in the hope of getting their wish granted.
Steve Jobs:
Steve Jobs planned to visit the ashram with his friend Dan Kottke to learn about Hindu spirituality. Jobs, who was a college dropout and wanted to save money for his spiritual trip to India, used to have free meals from Hare Krishna Temple in Portland.
On reaching Kainchi Dham both of them got to know that Neem Karoli Baba had died. India was far too different from what Jobs had imagined it to be "The hot, uncomfortable summer made Jobs question many of the illusions he had nursed about India. He found India far poorer than he had imagined and was struck by the incongruity between the country's condition and its airs of holiness," writes Michael Moritz, author of Jobs' biography. Despite this, he was willing to know more about Neem Karoli Baba and towards the end of his spiritual journey was immensely impressed and encouraged by him and his teachings.
Mark Zuckerberg:
Mark Zuckerberg also visited Baba’s ashram in 2015 when he was going through some work-related issues. He had planned to stay there for the day but the peace and spirituality that he experienced made him stay longer.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli:
Bollywood celebrities like Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli also have a deep spiritual connection with Neem Karoli Baba.
- Julia Roberts:
Neem Karoli Baba’s influence is not limited to Bollywood. Hollywood actress Julia Roberts was also inspired by his teachings.
In an interview with ABC News, she was once asked about how familiar is she with Hinduism, to which she said, "I practice, I practice a lot of things… Hinduism is something that I’m very intrigued by, and very interested in. It came from seeing a picture of a guru called Neem Karoli Baba. I was so drawn to this picture of this person, and I didn’t know who he was, and what he was about, but felt a very strong interest. He passed long before I saw his picture, but it was very intriguing, and that’s the way things come into our lives. They’re not these big, great crashing moments, but these little things."
Ways To Reach Kainchi Dham Ashram Of Neem Karoli Baba
Devotees can reach Kainchi Dham Ashram by road, rail or air. Those who wish to visit the ashram via road have to come to the Bhowali area which is situated around 18 kilometres away from the the main city of Nainital, from where the roads are well-connected and private or shared cab services are easily available. On the other hand, devotees planning to visit via rail can reach the Kathgodam railway station. From here, buses go to and fro regularly and can be used.
Another option to reach Kainchi Dham Ashram is via flights. The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport which is approximately 76 kilometers away from the main destination. Travellers can hire a cab from the airport and reach the ashram.
Places To Visit Near Kainchi Dham:
Several places can be visited near Kainchi Dham that are a heaven on earth for nature lovers.
Naukuchiatal Lake
The 175-foot-deep lake, also known as the 'lake of nine corners', is perfect for peace lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts. Some people sit by the lake and enjoy the greenery and placid surroundings, while adventurous ones enjoy activities such as paragliding and trekking.
Mukteshwar Temple:
This temple is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas, who dedicated it to Lord Shiva in the hope of attaining salvation and relief from their troubled lives. Legends believe that Lord Shiva had killed a demon in this temple granting him ‘mukti’.
Mukteshwar temple is situated 2,312 meters above sea level and offers a splendid view of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi along with some others.
Bhimtal Lake
This is the second-largest lake in Uttarakhand, where people enjoy boating. It is surrounded by green hills and dense forests. The surroundings of Bhimtal allow bird-watching activities which naturalists love.