Several visitors pay a visit to the temples here every day, in season. This temple is famous for Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba who founded this temple in 1962.
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.
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.
