List of Neem Karoli Baba's Ashrams in India

Neem Karoli Baba, often affectionately referred to as Maharaj-ji, was one of the most beloved and revered saints of modern India. His legacy endures through the many temples and ashrams he established across the country. These sacred spaces are not only places of devotion but are imbued with a deep spiritual energy that continues to touch the hearts of millions of devotees. This article will explore the complete list of Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams and temples in India, delving into their histories, the miracles associated with each, and the profound impact these places have had on spiritual seekers.

The Spirit of Neem Karoli Baba: Temples as Beacons of Divinity

Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings revolved around simple yet profound principles: love, service, and surrender to the Divine. He once said, "The people are becoming indifferent to righteous thoughts and actions. The worst time is ahead and only these temples will remind us of God." In this statement, Maharaj-ji acknowledged the importance of spiritual sanctuaries in an increasingly materialistic world. His temples were not merely structures of worship but were infused with vibrations that helped people transcend worldly concerns and connect to the divine.

Each ashram or temple Maharaj-ji built holds a unique story, often accompanied by miraculous occurrences that reaffirm the divine presence at these sites. Let's explore some of the prominent temples and ashrams where his divine energy continues to guide and inspire.

Babania Hanuman Temple, Gujarat

Located near the small village of Babania in Gujarat, this was one of the first temples Baba established. Situated by a serene lake, it was here that Baba installed a murti (idol) of Lord Hanuman. The story of this temple is closely tied to Baba's early years of spiritual work. According to legend, a member of a nearby Jain Ashram, inspired by Baba, built a small temple for the murti. The temple became a beacon of divine energy, and Baba’s blessings continued to flow through it.

Miracles at Babania

A defining miracle at the Babania Temple occurred when Baba instructed a local shopkeeper to build a Hanuman temple in exchange for the fulfillment of his wish. When the shopkeeper hesitated and delayed the work, his shop caught fire. Desperate, he sought Baba’s help, and through a simple act of repentance, the fire was miraculously extinguished. This incident deeply impacted the shopkeeper, prompting him to complete the construction of the temple. This story is one of many that reflects Baba’s divine grace and the profound spiritual significance of his temples.

Neem Karori Hanuman Temple, Neeb Karori

The village of Neeb Karori, where Neem Karoli Baba spent much of his life, holds one of the most significant of his temples. The Neem Karori Hanuman Temple is built upon the site of Baba’s own sadhana (spiritual practice) cave. It was here that Baba’s divine energy flowed, and numerous miraculous events took place.

The Miracle of the Fire

The story of the construction of the temple itself is a miracle. Baba asked a wealthy shopkeeper to build a temple for Hanuman for a modest sum of fifty rupees. However, the man stalled on the project, and as a result, his shop caught fire. In his panic, he turned to Baba, who told him that he must fulfill his promise to build the temple before seeking any divine intervention. The fire was miraculously put out, and the shopkeeper immediately began construction on the temple.

Blessings at Neeb Karori

Another miracle at this temple involves a devotee, Ram Sevak Gupta, who had been childless for many years. Baba blessed him to dig a well, which eventually became a source of prosperity. The water, initially salty, turned sweet after Baba’s instructions to pour ten bags of sugar into it. This miracle, along with countless others, has made the Neem Karori Hanuman Temple a focal point for spiritual seekers.

Hanumangarh, Nainital

Hanumangarh, located on Manora Hill near Nainital, was once a barren and uninhabited place, feared by locals for its isolation and eerie atmosphere. Yet, this is precisely where Baba chose to establish one of his ashrams and temples. The land, struck by lightning several times after Baba's arrival, was gradually transformed into a sacred space through constant spiritual work and recitation of sacred texts.

The Story Behind Hanumangarh

The temple at Hanumangarh began with the installation of a small Hanuman murti in 1952. Baba initiated the recitation of the Ramayana and the Hanuman Chalisa, which continued for years and helped purify the land. Over time, the barren hill became home to several other temples and structures, including a large seven-foot-tall murti of Hanuman, which was consecrated in 1953.

The Miracle of Food and Ghee

One of the most enchanting miracles at Hanumangarh occurred during the consecration of the larger Hanuman murti. In the midst of a heavy rainstorm that made food distribution difficult, Baba ensured that all the necessary supplies for the bhandara (community feast) arrived miraculously. Later, when the cooks found they had run out of ghee, Baba directed them to check the store, where the water had inexplicably transformed into ghee, allowing the preparations to continue unhindered.

Bhumiadhar Ashram and Temple

On 11th December 1961, Pooran Singh, the son of Thakur Padam Singh, offered his roadside house and adjacent land in Bhumiadhar to Neem Karoli Baba. In response, Baba moved to the village and brought a sacred Hanuman murti for the benefit of the local community. Baba entrusted his devoted disciple, Brahmachari Baba, with the responsibility of caring for the newly established temple. Brahmachari Baba had previously served as an attendant at Hanumangarh and was instructed by Baba to stay in Bhumiadhar, emphasizing the importance of continuous remembrance of God and selfless service. Following Baba’s guidance, Brahmachari Baba embarked on rigorous spiritual practices, including standing day and night for six months, maintaining silence for years, and surviving on a strict diet of fruits and vegetables for eight years. Baba later moved on to establish the Kainchi Ashram, but Bhumiadhar remained an important site, continuing to serve as a sacred space for devotees.

Kainchi Dhaam Ashram, Nainital

Kainchi Ashram is one of the most famous and spiritually charged locations associated with Neem Karoli Baba. Nestled in a serene valley surrounded by forested mountain ranges, the ashram holds a unique place in Baba’s journey. It is at Kainchi that Baba's influence expanded beyond his immediate followers, and the ashram became a global center for spiritual seekers.

The Story of Kainchi Dhaam Ashram

Baba came to Kainchi in 1962 and immediately sensed the spiritual significance of the area. It was here that he directed the construction of several temples dedicated to various deities, including Hanuman, Shiva, Lakshmi, and Durga. Baba’s presence at Kainchi was so powerful that it led to the establishment of a bridge, the construction of temples, and the widespread popularity of the ashram.

The Miracle of the Permanent Bridge

Baba’s influence was evident in the construction of a permanent concrete bridge at Kainchi, which was originally a simple wooden structure. Despite the objections of local authorities, Baba’s blessings ensured the bridge's construction, marking yet another miracle at Kainchi.

Kakrighat Hanuman Temple

Situated along the road to Almora, the Kakrighat Hanuman Temple is another important site built by Baba. It was here that the divine presence of Lord Hanuman manifested in a very unique way.

The Miracles at Kakrighat

The installation of the Hanuman murti at Kakrighat was marked by an extraordinary event. As the murti was being carried across a bridge, an unusual number of monkeys appeared out of nowhere, raising their hands in reverence to the deity. This act of the monkeys, offering their silent obeisance, was seen as a miraculous confirmation of Baba's divine power.

Pithoragarh Hanuman Temple

Another important Hanuman temple established by Baba is in Pithoragarh, situated in the northern part of India, near the boundary of Nepal. The consecration ceremony in 1970 drew a large number of devotees, and the temple has since become an important site for spiritual practices and devotion.

Panki Hanuman Temple, Kanpur

In 1961, Baba decided to build yet another Hanuman temple in Panki, Kanpur. The temple's marble murti, sculpted by a talented artisan, became a source of divine miracles. On the day of the consecration ceremony, the temperature in Panki remained unseasonably warm, in direct contrast to the surrounding areas, as Baba had predicted. Additionally, a large crowd gathered for the event, and the distribution of prasad continued without interruption, a clear sign of Baba’s divine grace.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Lucknow: A Reliever of Sufferings

Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, is home to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, a place where Neem Karoli Baba’s divine presence continues to linger. Built at Baba's divine command, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who, as Baba prophesied, is believed to alleviate the sufferings of those who seek his blessings.

The temple's history dates back to the 1960s when Baba visited Lucknow and ordered the construction of the temple near the Gomti River. The second temple, built on Baba's instructions, stands as a powerful spiritual center where devotees from all over India come to seek relief from their troubles. Baba’s miraculous blessings are said to be felt in the temple, where people regularly offer prayers and letters, seeking divine intervention.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Shimla: A Himalayan Blessing

Shimla, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is home to another Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, established by Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s. This temple holds significant spiritual value as it was built at the Baba's request during his time in Shimla. The peaceful and serene surroundings of Shimla make it an ideal place for spiritual practice, and Baba's blessings here are deeply revered.

The temple was inaugurated in 1966, and ever since, it has been a major pilgrimage site for devotees. The presence of Baba is palpable in the temple, with devotees from all walks of life coming to pray for peace, love, and spiritual growth. The temple also houses murtis of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lord Shiva, symbolizing the unity of all divine forces.

Vrindavan Ashram and Temple: The Land of Divine Love

Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is another sacred location where Neem Karoli Baba’s divine grace can be felt. Baba's temple in Vrindavan was established in 1968 and became a hub for spiritual seekers. The ashram was built at Baba's chosen spot on Parikrama Marg, a road that encircles the holy city of Vrindavan.

Baba often visited Vrindavan and stayed at the dharamshala of Hathiwale Baba. The place was initially a barren land, but Baba’s vision turned it into a vibrant ashram, attracting many devotees. The temple at Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with murtis of other deities such as Ram, Sita, and Krishna, symbolizing the deep connection between devotion to God and Baba’s teachings.

Delhi Ashram: A Divine Miracle of Water

In Delhi, Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram sits on a sprawling piece of land gifted by villagers who believed in Baba’s power. This ashram was founded after Baba’s visit to the land in the 1970s, during which he performed several miracles, including one related to water. The region was notoriously dry, but Baba blessed the land with water, miraculously helping the locals.

The Hanuman temple at this ashram was consecrated on Ram Navmi in 1971. Baba’s miracles continue to be experienced at this site, where devotees come to seek spiritual guidance and blessings. The temple is a center of worship and serves as a venue for regular satsangs and celebrations of religious festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navmi.

Dharchula Hanuman Temple: A Borderland Miracle

Dharchula, located on the border between India and Nepal, is home to a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This unique temple was built in 1978, following Baba’s blessings, by a devotee named M.L. Sah, a revenue officer in the region. The temple stands on the banks of the Kali River, which forms the border between India and Nepal.

The construction of the temple was accompanied by a series of divine events that led to an increase in the flow of pilgrims to the area. The temple became a beacon of spiritual peace for the local population and a place of divine intervention for those on the spiritual path.

Veerapuram Ashram and Temple: A South Indian Blessing

In the southern part of India, near Chennai, is the Veerapuram Ashram, established in 1984 by Shri Hukum Chand. This ashram stands as a testament to Baba’s influence in South India. Baba had visited the area several years before, and during his visit, he had left his spiritual mark on the region. The ashram houses a temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, and it also features temples of other deities, including Lord Subramanyam, Lord Hanuman, and Ganesh.

One of the miracles associated with this temple occurred during its consecration. As the murti of Baba was submerged in water for the ritual, the skies suddenly became overcast, and a heavy, unseasonal downpour graced the region, ending a severe water shortage that had plagued Chennai for years. This miracle reinforced Baba’s immense divine presence in the area.

Hanuman Temple at Jipti and Garjila: Borderland Blessings

Nestled in the remote hills near Dharchula are two temples that hold special significance in the lives of devotees journeying to the holy sites of Mount Kailash and Manasarovar. The Hanuman temple at Jipti was built in 1982 by Baba's soldier devotees. The temple is located at a crucial point on the path to these sacred sites and serves as a reminder of Baba’s presence even in the most remote areas.

Similarly, in Garjila, Kotmanya, a Hanuman temple was constructed in 1984 with divine guidance and spiritual blessings from Baba. During the construction, a heavy downpour threatened to halt the work, but Baba’s devotees persisted, undeterred by the rain. The temple was consecrated, and a miraculous event occurred when a blind man regained his sight during the rituals. This event was perceived as a blessing from Baba, reinforcing the divine nature of his miracles.

Badrinath and Rishikesh Ashrams: Pilgrimage Sites of Divinity

Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams also extend to the revered pilgrimage centers of Badrinath and Rishikesh. Baba often visited these sacred lands, and in Badrinath, he stayed in a simple hut. Later, his devotees built a dharamshala at Narayana Range, where travelers could rest and seek solace.

In Rishikesh, Baba’s ashram was established in 1983, where a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman was consecrated. The history of this temple is as miraculous as the others. Baba's divine presence was experienced in numerous ways, with devotees sharing stories of miraculous interventions during their time at the ashram.

Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams and temples across India are not just physical structures; they are spiritual sanctuaries filled with divine energy. These ashrams represent Baba's presence in the world, where he continues to guide and bless those who seek his grace. Through each ashram, a story unfolds—a story of faith, love, and miracles that transcend time and space.

As the devotees continue to flock to these sacred sites, they are reminded of the timeless teachings of Neem Karoli Baba: that love is the greatest force in the universe, and through devotion, miracles happen. These ashrams stand as living testaments to his divine presence, inviting seekers from all corners of the world to experience the grace and blessings of Maharaj-ji.