Neem Karoli Baba: The Saint Behind Apple and Google Leaders
Have you ever felt the presence of someone so deeply spiritual that it fills your heart with peace, even when you don’t fully understand it? That’s the kind of presence Neem Karoli Baba, also affectionately known as Maharaj-ji, had. His smile was enough to make people forget their worries, and his love knew no boundaries—whether you were rich or poor, Hindu or non-Hindu, Indian or foreign. To those who came in contact with him, Neem Karoli Baba was not just a saint but an embodiment of unconditional love, humility, and divine wisdom.
Though Neem Karoli Baba never sought fame or recognition, his legacy spread far beyond the borders of India. From remote villages in Uttarakhand to the bustling streets of America, his teachings of love, service, and devotion touched lives, changing people forever. His influence reached spiritual seekers across the globe, including some very famous Western followers like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ram Dass.
What was it about this simple, unassuming man that left such a deep mark on the world? This article takes a heartfelt journey through the life of Neem Karoli Baba—his history, his teachings, his significance, and the many miracles associated with him.
My Personal Experience: – It was October 2022. I have never heard about Maharaj Ji earlier, though I have seen his picture on the internet but ignore him. I usually listen to some spiritual songs and Bhajan while driving to my office. Since it is 2 hours drive in Delhi traffic, I need something which keeps me energetic and calm. One day while scrolling for Hanuman Chalisa I saw Krishna Das Hanuman Chalisa and it quite impressed me and felt me soothing. It is where I came to know about Maharaj ji and started searching about him and read about him. I discussed this with my hubby, and we suddenly planned a journey to Kainchi Dham by car.
I have no prior experience driving in hill and yet started the journey with the help of Google Map. You just imagine I have not faced any difficulties while driving in mountain, sharp curve and hair pin bend. We have reached Kainchi Dham around 3 PM. When I first entered the Kainchi Dham Ashram and saw the smile of Maharaj Ji, tears rolled down my cheek and I felt lighthearted. I feel something in me which I can’t describe. We have spent some time sitting in Ashram and feel the calmness and spiritual environment surrounding us. We feel as if we have offloaded our all-worldly burden and felt light within.
Early Life of Neem Karoli Baba
Neem Karoli Baba was born as Lakshman Narayan Sharma in the early 1900s in a small village called Akbarpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. From an early age, it was clear that he was not like other children. While other kids played, Lakshmi Narayan would often meditate for long periods, seemingly lost in another world. His connection to the divine was something that people around him noticed, though they couldn’t quite understand.
Married at the young age of 11, as was customary in those days, he seemed uninterested in the traditional roles of family life. He was always drawn to a higher calling. It wasn’t long before he left home and began wandering across India as a sadhu, or holy man. For years, he roamed the sacred lands of India, living a life of simplicity, meditating, and learning from other spiritual masters. In these years of wandering, he became deeply connected to the spiritual essence that later drew thousands to his feet.
The Birth of “Neem Karoli Baba”
The name “Neem Karoli Baba” has an interesting origin, one that adds to the legend surrounding him. One day, while traveling, Baba boarded a train without a ticket. The conductor, following protocol, asked him to get off at the next station, which happened to be Neem Karoli, a small village in Uttar Pradesh. After Neem Karoli Baba was removed from the train, the train mysteriously refused to start. The driver and railway officials tried everything, but nothing worked. Frustrated and confused, they approached the young sadhu and requested him to return to the train. He agreed, and the moment he boarded, the train began to move again.
This event created a stir among the passengers and railway workers, who were convinced that this man was no ordinary sadhu. From that day forward, he became known as Neem Karoli Baba, named after the station, where this miracle occurred.
Teachings of Neem Karoli Baba
Though Neem Karoli Baba rarely gave formal discourses or wrote philosophical texts, his teachings were simple, profound, and straight from the heart. His presence alone was enough to convey deep spiritual truths, and many people felt an overwhelming sense of peace and love in his company.
1. Love Everyone, Serve Everyone
The core of Neem Karoli Baba’s teaching was simple: Love Everyone, Serve Everyone. He believed that God is present in every individual, and by loving and serving others, we are, in fact, serving God. His message wasn’t tied to any specific religion or practice; it was universal. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from—Baba’s love was for everyone.
I remember reading a story about how Baba would feed anyone who came to him, whether they were wealthy or poor. His famous line, “Feed everyone,” reflected his deep compassion for all living beings. It wasn’t just about food; it was about nourishing people’s souls with kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love. In Baba’s world, there was no place for judgment—only love and service.
2. Have Faith in God
Baba’s second most important teaching was about having faith. He encouraged his followers to trust in God’s plan, no matter how difficult life became. “Sab Ek,” he often said, meaning “All is One.” For Baba, it didn’t matter if you were Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist. All faiths pointed to the same divine truth. His message was one of unity and divine love—where all paths lead to the same goal: God.
This deep faith wasn’t just a teaching for others. Neem Karoli Baba embodied it himself. His calm demeanor, even in challenging situations, reflected an unshakable belief in the divine order of things. His followers would often share stories about how just being near him filled them with a sense of peace and faith.
3. The Power of the Divine Name
Baba strongly encouraged repeating the name of God as a way to quiet the mind and stay connected to the divine. He taught that by constantly chanting God’s name, or Naam Japna, one could achieve peace of mind, even in the face of life’s challenges. Baba didn’t prescribe a particular name to chant—whether it was Ram, Krishna, or Jesus, the essence was the same. The repetition of divine names brought a sense of calm, focus, and spiritual awakening to his devotees.
Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashrams and Temples
Despite never seeking to establish any formal organization, several ashrams and temples were built in honor of Neem Karoli Baba. These ashrams became sacred spaces where people from all over the world could come and feel his divine presence, long after he had left his physical body. Some of the most significant ashrams are:
1. Kainchi Dham Ashram (Nainital, Uttarakhand)
The Kainchi Dham Ashram is perhaps the most well-known of Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams. Nestled in the scenic hills of Nainital, this ashram was established by Baba in 1964 and has since become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees. The ashram is a peaceful retreat, where visitors can meditate, chant, and connect with the energy of Neem Karoli Baba.
But Kainchi Dham’s fame spread far beyond India, thanks to one of Baba’s famous followers, Steve Jobs. In the 1970s, a young Steve Jobs visited this ashram, seeking clarity and spiritual guidance. Jobs credited this visit with giving him a sense of peace and direction, which later influenced his work at Apple. Years later, Jobs encouraged Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, to visit the same ashram when Zuckerberg was going through a tough time. The visit left a deep impact on Zuckerberg, further cementing the global significance of this humble ashram.
2. Vrindavan Ashram (Uttar Pradesh)
Vrindavan held a special place in Neem Karoli Baba’s heart. He spent much of his later years here, and it was in Vrindavan Ashram that Baba left his physical body on September 11, 1973. To this day, people from all over the world come to Vrindavan to pay their respects and to experience the peace that still lingers in the ashram.
Devotees believe that Baba’s presence can still be felt here, and many come to meditate or chant the Hanuman Chalisa (a prayer dedicated to Lord Hanuman, whom Baba deeply revered). The ashram remains a place of spiritual pilgrimage and peace, where devotees can connect to Maharaj-ji’s eternal energy.
Impact on the Western World
While Neem Karoli Baba was already revered in India, his teachings spread across the world largely through one of his most devoted followers—Ram Dass (formerly known as Richard Alpert). A Harvard professor, Ram Dass met Neem Karoli Baba in the late 1960s, and that meeting transformed his life. Ram Dass described his experience in his spiritual classic, “Be Here Now,” which introduced millions of Westerners to the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba.
In his book, Ram Dass shared how, upon meeting Neem Karoli Baba, he felt an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance. It was a life-changing encounter. Ram Dass went on to become a major spiritual teacher in the West, spreading Baba’s message of love, service, and devotion to people everywhere. Through Ram Dass, Maharaj-ji’s influence reached countless individuals, many of whom traveled to India to meet him or visit his ashrams.
Other notable Western figures, such as Krishna Das, one of the most famous kirtan (devotional music) singers, also became followers of Neem Karoli Baba. Krishna Das credits Baba with guiding his spiritual journey and helping him find his calling in music.
The presence of these Western devotees at Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams, and their spreading of his teachings, created a bridge between the East and West. It was a profound meeting of cultures, united by the simple yet transformative power of love and faith.
Miracles of Neem Karoli Baba
One of the reasons Neem Karoli Baba’s legend grew so quickly was due to the countless stories of miracles associated with him. Baba himself never sought attention for these miracles, but those who witnessed them were convinced of his divine powers.
1. Healing the Sick
One of the most common miracles attributed to Neem Karoli Baba is the healing of the sick. Many devotees reported being cured of diseases or ailments that doctors couldn’t treat. In many instances, people who were gravely ill would come to Baba and, through his blessings, would find relief or complete healing. Baba never took credit for these healings, humbly saying that it was all God’s will.
2. Controlling the Elements
Neem Karoli Baba was known to have a mysterious control over the elements. One such story describes how Baba stopped the rain during an important religious ceremony. Despite the storm clouds gathering and rain beginning to fall, Baba asked the rain to stop—and it did. His connection with nature seemed almost supernatural, and devotees believed that Baba was in complete harmony with the universe.
3. Appearing in Multiple Places
One of the most fascinating stories about Neem Karoli Baba is that of bilocation—the ability to appear in multiple places at once. There are numerous accounts from devotees who claimed to have seen Baba in different locations simultaneously. These stories only deepened the faith of his followers, who believed that Maharaj-ji was not limited by the physical world.
Devotion to Lord Hanuman
Neem Karoli Baba’s devotion to Lord Hanuman was one of the defining aspects of his spiritual life. Hanuman, the monkey god known for his immense strength and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, symbolized the qualities that Neem Karoli Baba embodied—humility, service, and devotion.
Many devotees believe that Baba was an incarnation of Lord Hanuman himself, due to his incredible love for the deity and the many miracles that surrounded him. Baba often encouraged his followers to chant the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn in praise of Hanuman. For those seeking protection, peace, or strength, Baba would recommend turning to Hanuman, believing that chanting the Chalisa could ward off all negativity and bring spiritual clarity.
The Legacy of Neem Karoli Baba
Even though Neem Karoli Baba left his physical body in 1973, his legacy continues to inspire and transform lives across the world. His teachings, centered around love, compassion, and devotion, are timeless. What makes Baba’s legacy so powerful is that his presence is still deeply felt, even by those who never met him. Many devotees claim that they can feel his guidance and protection in their lives, and his teachings have become even more relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where people are searching for meaning and connection.
His influence is not limited to India. His Western followers, including Ram Dass, Krishna Das, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg, have helped bring Baba’s message to the wider world, creating a global community of people who follow his simple yet profound teachings.
Conclusion
Neem Karoli Baba was a saint like no other. His simplicity, his love for all beings, and his deep devotion to God made him a spiritual giant whose influence continues to grow long after his passing. Whether you’re inspired by the stories of his miracles, the deep love he radiated, or the lives he transformed, one thing is certain—Neem Karoli Baba’s legacy of love and devotion will continue to shine for generations to come.
His teachings of love everyone, serve everyone, remember God have left a permanent mark on the world. They are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime, and they serve as a guiding light for anyone seeking spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.
