Neem Karoli Baba and his name has been in the limelight for quite sometime now. He was a man known for his simplicity, his saint-like nature, and his love for all humans. It is said that he could be at two different places at once, put people in a deep state of meditation, and even help people get closer to their calling of the divine. And even though his miracles were famous and widespread, Baba lived a life of humility.

Very little is known about Neem Karoli baba’s early life and it is said that he was a very private person. Baba got married pretty early in life, but soon he left everything behind and started to wander like a Sadhu. When his father found him, he was sent back home to live life like a married man should. He had kids later on in life but remained to be his usual, calm self..

Neem Karoli Baba’s life was simple and lived like an ascetic for the most part of his life. He used to drape a simple chaddar (blanket) around him and talked to people in the most kind way possible. There are several videos of Neem Karoli Baba online and he seems as ordinary as a man next to you. His only focus was serving others, reminding people of God, ensuring they were well fed, and everything he could do to make sure people were taken care of.

It is believed that Maharaj ji created over 108 temples around India and they were mostly of Lord Hanuman. He believed that Lord Hanuman, who is the epitome of devotion and service, was the perfect role model for anyone who wants spiritual growth.

The Kainchi Dham mandir in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba and is a place one can never forget once they visit. People from all over the world flock to Kainchi Dham in search of peace, answers, and a glimpse of the chaarpai (cot) where Maharaj ji used to sit everyday.
The temple is surrounded with forests and trees and a river flows right beside it which just gives the whole surrounding a very calm, serene feel. Although now the crowd in Kainchi Dham is uncountable, the devotees sitting on the counters make sure that every person who leaves the temple gets the prasad of chana and halwa.

Neem Karoli Baba has a huge fan following. In fact, his devotees and fans are not just Indians, but also some big names in the Tech industry. For example, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, visited Kainchi Dham in the 1970s during a spiritual journey to India and was influenced by Maharaj ji’s life and work. He then advised Mark Zuckerberg to do the same, and Zuckerberg mentioned that he visited Kainchi Dham during a challenging time in his life.
Apart from Jobs and Zuckerberg, famous Hollywood actress Julia Roberts became a follower of Hinduism after learning about Neem Karoli Baba and his teachings.

Neem Karoli Baba gave three main lessons – Love everyone, serve everyone, and remember God’s name.
In some of the old videos of Neem Karoli Baba he can be seen inquiring if someone was fed or not. It is said that he believed in unconditional love and selfless service and that true spirituality was in helping others and treating everyone with kindness.

(All images courtesy: neemkarolibabataosashram/Instagram)