Who Was Neem Karoli Baba?

The unexpected success of the film Hanuman Ansh has brought renewed attention to Neem Karoli Baba, the spiritual teacher whose influence continues to reach devotees in India and abroad decades after his death.

Also known as Maharaj-ji and Neeb Karori Baba, Neem Karoli Baba was a Hindu spiritual teacher and devotee of Lord Hanuman. He founded the Kainchi Dham ashram in Uttarakhand in 1962 and died in 1973.

His teachings centred on devotion, love, compassion and service to others. Rather than building a large religious institution, he became widely known through his disciples and the stories they shared about their experiences with him.

Stories of miracles are also an important part of his popular legacy. Devotees have attributed extraordinary events, including healing and other miraculous acts, to him. However, such accounts belong largely to faith and oral tradition and are not independently established historical facts.

His connection with Hanuman

Devotion to Lord Hanuman was central to Neem Karoli Baba's spiritual identity. His teachings emphasised serving people as a way of serving God. This connection also forms an important part of Hanuman Ansh, a film inspired by his life and spiritual journey.

Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film has reportedly become a surprise box-office success despite being made on a modest budget. Its success has once again put the spotlight on the guru and his philosophy.

Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham remains the place most closely associated with Neem Karoli Baba. Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the ashram has developed into an important pilgrimage centre.

Thousands of devotees visit the site, particularly around June 15, which is associated with the anniversary of the ashram's founding. Prayer, communal meals and service remain important parts of the experience there.

Ram Dass and his global influence

One of Neem Karoli Baba's most influential disciples was American psychologist Richard Alpert, who later became known as Ram Dass.

Alpert travelled to India in 1967 and met the guru, who gave him the name Ram Dass, meaning “servant of God”. His book Be Here Now, published in 1971, introduced millions of Western readers to Indian spirituality and helped spread Neem Karoli Baba's influence internationally.

Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg

Neem Karoli Baba is often associated with technology leaders Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, although Jobs never actually met him. Jobs travelled to India in the 1970s hoping to meet the guru, but Neem Karoli Baba had died in 1973.

Jobs nevertheless visited Kainchi Dham during his spiritual journey in India.

Mark Zuckerberg later visited the ashram during a difficult period for Facebook. He has spoken about the experience and said the visit helped him reconnect with the company's purpose.

Hollywood actor Julia Roberts has also spoken about her connection with Neem Karoli Baba, saying she was drawn to his photograph despite initially knowing little about him.

Decades after his death, Neem Karoli Baba's message of devotion, compassion and service continues to attract followers, while Kainchi Dham remains a major symbol of his enduring spiritual legacy.