Facts About Neem Karoli Baba You Didn't Know
Q&A: Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Neem Karoli Baba
Neem Karoli Baba, revered by millions, is a spiritual icon whose wisdom and grace transcend time. Despite his global following, many aspects of his life remain lesser-known yet deeply intriguing. From his spiritual journey to the foundation of temples and his mystical legacy, here are some fascinating insights into Neem Karoli Baba's extraordinary life.
Q: Is Neem Karoli Baba still alive?
A: No, Neem Karoli Baba took mahasamadhi (spiritual departure) on September 11, 1973, in Vrindavan.
Q: Was Neem Karoli Baba married?
A: Yes, Neem Karoli Baba was married to Smt. Rambeti Sharma. She was a devoted wife who took responsibility for raising their children. Despite his spiritual path, Baba remained connected with his family, visiting them and fulfilling his responsibilities as a caring father and husband.
Rambeti Sharma attained Nirvana on June 15, 1995, which coincidentally also marks the foundation day of the Kainchi Dham Ashram.
Q: How many children did Neem Karoli Baba have?
A: Neem Karoli Baba had three children:
Aneg Singh Sharma (Elder son)
Shri Dharm Narayan Sharma (Second son, fondly known as Chote Maharaj Ji among devotees, managed the Vrindavan Ashram)
Smt. Girija Bhatele Ji (Youngest daughter)
Q: At what age did Neem Karoli Baba take sanyas (renunciation), and where did he stay?
A: At the age of eleven, Baba renounced worldly life and travelled to Gujarat, where he stayed for seven years, immersing himself in spiritual practices.
Q: What name was given to Neem Karoli Baba in Gujarat?
A: In Gujarat, a Vaishnav saint gave him the name Lakshman Das, symbolizing his spiritual asceticism.
Q: What name did the villagers of Neeb Karori use for him?
A: The villagers addressed him as Baba Lakshman Das.
Q: How did Neem Karoli Baba get his famous name?
A: The name Neem Karoli Baba originated from a mystical incident:
While traveling in a train’s first-class compartment near Farrukhabad, Baba was asked to leave due to his ascetic appearance. After disembarking, the train mysteriously couldn’t move despite all efforts. When Baba was requested to reboard, the train moved instantly. This miracle made him famous as the Baba of Neeb Karori.
Q: How many years did Neem Karoli Baba live in Neeb Karori village?
A: Neem Karoli Baba lived in Neeb Karori village for 18 years.
Q: When did Neem Karoli Baba come to Nainital?
A: During the 1940s, Baba began spending time in Nainital. His presence brought inexplicable bliss to the town. Devotees followed him wherever he went, often spending sleepless nights in his company, yet feeling rejuvenated and energized.
Q: When did Neem Karoli Baba establish his first temple in Nainital?
A: In the early 1950s, Baba constructed his first temple, named Hanumangarh, on the Manora hillside. Over two decades, he built temples and ashrams in Bhumiadhar, Kainchi, Vrindavan, Kanpur, and other places.
Q: When did Neem Karoli Baba first visit Kainchi Dham?
A: Baba visited Kainchi Dham on May 26, 1962, with Sri Siddhi Ma and Tularam Sah. During this visit, he consecrated the area with his divine presence, setting the foundation for the now-famous ashram.
Q: Why is June 15th celebrated as Pratishtha Divas (Consecration Day) at Kainchi Dham?
A: The consecration (pran-pratishtha) of idols at Kainchi Dham began on June 15 in different years. Devotees celebrate this day with scriptures, kirtans, and bhandaras, honoring Baba’s divine work and presence.
Q: When was Neem Karoli Baba’s temple in Kainchi consecrated?
A: After Baba’s mahasamadhi in 1973, construction began in 1974. On June 15, 1976, his murti (idol) was installed amidst devotional chants, Hanuman Chalisa recitations, and an atmosphere brimming with faith and reverence.
Neem Karoli Baba’s life is a treasure trove of spiritual lessons, miracles, and devotion. From his early renunciation to establishing sacred spaces for worship, Baba’s journey continues to inspire millions worldwide.
By learning about these lesser-known facts, we gain a deeper understanding of his teachings and the divine lila he shared with his devotees. Neem Karoli Baba remains a beacon of hope and spirituality, guiding seekers on their path to self-realisation and divine love.
