History of Neem Karoli Baba

History of Neem Karoli Baba

Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba, was a revered Hindu saint and spiritual teacher who is often considered an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. His teachings and life have inspired thousands of devotees around the world, including notable Westerners like Steve Jobs and Ram Dass. Below is a brief overview of his history:

Early Life

Neem Karoli Baba’s real name was Lakshmi Narayan Sharma, and he was born around 1900 in the village of Akbarpur, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Very little is known about his early life, as he lived a simple and humble existence. From a young age, he was drawn to spirituality, often engaging in deep meditation and practicing renunciation.

Spiritual Journey

Baba Neem Karoli wandered throughout northern India, living the life of a wandering sadhu. It is believed that he had an intense connection with Lord Hanuman, whom many consider him to be an incarnation of. Baba often wore a simple blanket and lived in a very unassuming way, eschewing wealth or recognition.

One of the most famous stories that elevated his status as a saint occurred during a train journey, when he was asked to disembark because he didn’t have a ticket. After he got off, the train wouldn’t move until he was invited back on, an incident that gained him widespread recognition as a person of divine powers.

Establishment of Ashrams

Baba Neem Karoli established numerous ashrams across India, with the most famous ones being in Kainchi Dham near Nainital, Vrindavan, and Neem Karoli village. His ashrams attracted devotees from all walks of life, and many experienced miraculous events after meeting him. His teachings focused on love, service, and devotion, particularly to Hanuman.

Influence in the West

In the 1960s and 1970s, Neem Karoli Baba became widely known in the West through the spiritual journeys of people like Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), an American professor who went on to write the seminal book Be Here Now after his transformative experiences with Baba. Other prominent figures, including Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Julia Roberts, have been influenced by Baba’s teachings, with Jobs even crediting a visit to Kainchi Dham as a life-changing experience.

Final Years and Passing

Neem Karoli Baba took mahasamadhi (left his mortal body) on September 11, 1973, in Vrindavan. Even after his death, his presence is still deeply felt by his devotees, who report miracles and spiritual experiences at his ashrams and through his teachings.

Legacy

Despite his simple lifestyle, Neem Karoli Baba’s legacy has endured and continues to grow. His emphasis on unconditional love, service to humanity, and devotion to God still resonate today. His devotees span across continents, and his ashrams, especially Kainchi Dham, remain pilgrimage sites for those seeking spiritual wisdom and peace.

His message was simple: “Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God.” His life, steeped in simplicity, yet filled with spiritual power, continues to inspire millions globally.