The Sacred Bond Between Neem Karoli Baba and Anandamayi Ma: Divine Love and Motherly Grace
A Meeting of Divine Souls
In the intricate tapestry of India’s spiritual heritage, two luminaries stand out with an ineffable glow: Neem Karoli Baba and Anandamayi Ma. Revered as saints and spiritual guides, their lives were intertwined in a relationship that transcended mundane communication, reflecting profound devotion, mutual respect, and divine love. Their bond offers timeless lessons in spirituality, love, and grace, inspiring seekers worldwide.
A Story of Connection: Mukti Ma’s Account
The Journey of Mukti Ma
A beautiful narrative shared by Mukti Ma, a devoted disciple, sheds light on the sacred connection between Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba. Mukti Ma’s journey began with an invitation from Neem Karoli Baba to spend three months in his presence before his departure from the physical world. This profound experience set the stage for her eventual decade-long immersion in Anandamayi Ma’s teachings and grace.
During her time in India, Mukti Ma was adopted by a royal family deeply devoted to Anandamayi Ma. This noble family, residing in a grand mansion, hosted Anandamayi Ma during one of her visits. It was here that the divine play between Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba unfolded, witnessed firsthand by Sidhhi Ma and later recounted to Mukti Ma.
Divine Play in the Royal Garden
The royal garden became the stage for a remarkable moment of Leela (divine play). Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba engaged in a childlike game of hide-and-seek, their joy radiating through the surroundings. This playful interaction was a testament to their spiritual elevation—even amidst their divine missions, they found delight in each other’s presence, embodying the profound simplicity of enlightened beings.
Expressions of Divine Love
Neem Karoli Baba’s Journey to Anandamayi Ma
Neem Karoli Baba’s affection for Anandamayi Ma was often expressed with childlike enthusiasm. One morning, he declared to his devotees:
“You people can’t feed me or take care of me. I’m going to Ma. She’ll feed me.”
He repeated this declaration with palpable excitement, chanting, “She’ll feed me. I’m going to see Ma,” as he left for Anandamayi Ma’s ashram. Upon arrival, he burst into the darshan room, exclaiming joyfully:
“Ma! Feed me. Feed me, Ma!”
Anandamayi Ma, overflowing with maternal love, laughed with delight. A feast was prepared for Neem Karoli Baba, and together they distributed it to the gathered devotees. This moment encapsulated their bond—a relationship rooted in simplicity, mutual respect, and divine grace.
The Frenchman’s Encounter
Another story highlights the spiritual connection between these two saints. A French devotee at Anandamayi Ma’s ashram, eager to meet Neem Karoli Baba, was advised to chant his name for ten minutes. As the Frenchman chanted, “Neem Karoli Baba, Neem Karoli Baba,” Neem Karoli Baba appeared, asking:
“Why are you remembering me? I’ve come. What do you want?”
This miraculous event underscored the deep spiritual link between Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba, and their ability to respond to devotees’ heartfelt prayers.
Navigating the Burden of Devotion
Neem Karoli Baba’s Observations
Neem Karoli Baba often acknowledged the challenges faced by Anandamayi Ma due to her immense following. He remarked:
“It’s terrible what her devotees do to her. They keep her locked up within the eight gates.”
This observation reflected his understanding of the burdens saints endure due to the adoration of their devotees. Despite this, both saints continued their divine missions, offering grace and love without hesitation.
A Unified Spiritual Path
The Shared Guidance of Two Saints
The spiritual connection between Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba often manifested in profound ways. One disciple, initially devoted to Anandamayi Ma, later became close to Neem Karoli Baba. Feeling torn between the two, she received a dream in which Neem Karoli Baba gave her a mantra, saying:
“This is a mantra from Ma.”
Later, Anandamayi Ma confirmed the mantra, affirming the unity of their guidance and the singularity of their spiritual mission.
Sidhhi Ma’s Early Connection
As a child, Sidhhi Ma displayed an innate devotion. During a satsang where a Mirabai bhajan was sung, young Sidhhi Ma began to dance with pure joy. Anandamayi Ma, moved by her innocence, lifted her in her arms and declared:
“She is the mother of this world.”
This moment exemplified the love and grace that flowed between the two saints and their devotees.
Lessons from Their Bond
Spirituality Beyond Intellect
The relationship between Anandamayi Ma and Neem Karoli Baba transcended the physical and intellectual realms. Their interactions, filled with childlike joy and profound love, remind us that true spirituality is not about ego or intellect but about surrender, grace, and the Divine Mother’s boundless love.
Divine Play and Grace
Their playful moments, whether in the royal garden or during satsangs, highlight the importance of seeing spirituality as a celebration. The divine play (Leela) they embodied encourages us to approach life with joy, humility, and an open heart.
The Eternal Grace of Two Saints
The sacred bond between Neem Karoli Baba and Anandamayi Ma stands as a testament to the power of divine love, grace, and mutual respect. Their lives remind us that spirituality is not confined to rituals or intellect but is a living expression of joy, simplicity, and unconditional love.
Through their teachings and interactions, these two saints continue to inspire seekers to embrace the Divine in all its forms, to surrender to grace, and to celebrate the Leela of life. Their bond is a timeless reminder of the unity that underlies all spiritual paths—a unity rooted in the boundless love of the Divine Mother.
Ram Ram.
