Baba Neem Karoli: A Spiritual Legend

By: Vikram Published on: April 23, 2023

Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba or Maharaj-ji, was a Hindu saint and guru who lived in northern India. He was born in 1900 and died in 1973.

Neem Karoli Baba was known for his simplicity, wisdom, and love for all beings. He had a large following of devotees who sought his guidance and blessings. Some of his well-known disciples include spiritual teachers Ram Dass and Bhagavan Das, as well as musician Krishna Das.

Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings emphasized the importance of selfless service, devotion to God, and the unity of all religions. He was known for his miracles, including healing the sick and bringing the dead back to life.

Today, Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings continue to inspire and guide many people, both in India and around the world.

10 interesting facts about Baba Neem Karoli Ji:

1. Baba Neem Karoli Ji’s real name was Lakshmi Narayan Sharma. He was born around 1900 in the village of Akbarpur in Uttar Pradesh. He attained spiritual knowledge at the age of 17. His father’s name was Durga Prasad Sharma, and he got married at the age of 11.
2. In 1958, Baba left his home and started wandering like a saint throughout northern India. During this time, he was known by names like Lakshman Das, Handi Wale Baba, and Tikonia Wale Baba. When he did tapasya (penance) in Morbi, Gujarat, people started calling him Talaiya Baba.
3. Once Baba was traveling in a first-class compartment on a train. When the ticket checker came, Baba didn’t have a ticket. As a result, he was asked to get off at the next station, “Neeb Karori.” Baba sat on the ground and began to meditate. Despite officials giving orders to start the train and showing green flags, the train did not move even an inch. After several failed attempts, a local magistrate who knew Baba asked officials to apologize to him and bring him on board with respect. Other passengers on the train also supported the magistrate’s request. Finally, the officials apologized to Baba and brought him back on the train with honor. The train then started moving again.
4. In Kainchi Dham near Nainital in Uttarakhand, Baba Neem Karoli visited for the first time in 1961 and he had the idea of ​​building an ashram here with his old friend Purnanand Ji. Baba Neem Karoli established this ashram in 1964.
5. Neem Karoli Baba’s Samadhi Sthal is located near Nainital in Pantnagar. It is a place where anyone who goes with a wish does not return empty-handed. The Samadhi Sthal of Baba is also located here. A magnificent statue of Baba Neem Karoli has also been installed here. There is also a statue of Lord Hanuman here.
6. The followers of Neem Karoli Baba include Apple founder Steve Jobs, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Hollywood actress Julia Roberts. It is said that their lives were transformed after visiting this holy place.
7. On June 15th, a fair is organized in the holy land of Kainchi Dham, and Baba Neem Karoli’s devotees from across the country and abroad come here. In this holy land, Baba Neem Karoli is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad come here to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Baba’s devotees have built a grand temple of Lord Hanuman at this place. There are also temples of 5 other deities here, including a temple of Lord Hanuman. Baba Neem Karoli was a great devotee of Lord Hanuman and he built many temples of Lord Hanuman across the country.
8. Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) wrote a book called “Miracle of Love” on the miracles of Neem Karoli Baba, in which he mentions an incident called “Bulletproof Blanket”. Baba always wore a blanket around him. Even today, when people visit his temple, they offer blankets as a gift.
9. Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj had two sons and one daughter. The elder son, Anek Singh, lives in Bhopal with his family, while the younger son, Dharma Narayan Sharma, was serving as a ranger in the forest department. He recently passed away.
10. He left his mortal body on September 11, 1973, in Vrindavan. It is said that the highest number of American devotees come to Baba’s ashram. The ashram is located amidst deodar trees in a hilly area.

Know more at: http://www.neebkaroribaba.com/