When Neem Karoli Baba Visited Kumbh Mela: Unforgotten Stories of Miracles

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Held once every 12 years, this event attracts millions of devotees, saints, and tourists to the sacred Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. It is a time for spiritual renewal, prayer, and unity, as people come together to bathe in the holy waters, seeking blessings, peace, and purification.

The Kumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering at this sacred confluence, is also a time of immense devotion and divine presence. People from all corners of the world gather to experience the transformative power of the holy waters. It is here, amidst the vast sea of devotees, that Neem Karoli Baba, one of the most revered saints, manifested his divine grace and miracles, touching the hearts of countless souls.

Neem Karoli Baba's presence at the Kumbh Melas was not just as a participant; he became a living embodiment of the divine compassion and love that these holy gatherings symbolise. His life and actions at the Mela were nothing short of miraculous, a clear testament to the power of unconditional love and grace.

Feeding the Devotees with Grace

During the Kumbh Mela in 1966, Maharaj Ji (as Neem Karoli Baba was affectionately called) set up his camp at Jhusi, a place near the Sangam. The air was chilly, and devotees around Neem Karoli Baba were eager for some warmth, but there was one problem—milk, an essential ingredient for tea, was unavailable. As the night grew colder, Baba, in his playful way, instructed his devotees to fetch a bucket of milk from the Ganges, promising that it would be returned the next day.

To the astonishment of all, when the bucket was uncovered, it was filled with warm, creamy milk. The tea was brewed, and everyone sipped the delicious brew on that cold night, feeling the warmth not only in their bodies but also in their hearts, as Baba's divine miracle unfolded before them.

But the miracles did not stop there. Baba once told his devotees that “Milk, not water, flows in the Ganga.” While many were skeptical, Baba proved his words true. One of Baba’s devotees, Umadatt Shukla, filled a lota (a small vessel) with Ganges water and covered it. When Baba instructed everyone to drink from the lota, to their amazement, it was filled with milk instead of water. This was one of the many instances where Baba manifested the divine, showing that in his presence, the natural laws of the world seemed to bend to the will of love.

A Miracle in the Midst of War

One of the most touching and powerful stories of Neem Karoli Baba’s grace was told by a high government official who had visited Baba at the Kumbh Mela. He shared an unforgettable experience that his friend, a civil surgeon, had during the Second World War. Neem Karoli Baba had appeared at the surgeon’s house one night and, after a restless sleep, asked him to throw his blanket into a lake. Neem Karoli Baba revealed that the blanket had absorbed bullets meant for the surgeon’s son, who had been in a life-threatening situation during a battle with German forces. The son, who had miraculously survived, later confirmed the details in a letter, further deepening the belief in Baba’s protective grace.

The Role of Annapurna: Divine Feeding

Baba’s divine manifestation extended to his bhandaras (free kitchens), especially at the Kumbh Mela, where he fed thousands of people every day. Maharaj Ji was known for his ability to feed anyone who came, no matter how many people were gathered. His compassion and selfless service were a living testament to the power of Annapurna, the Goddess of Food, who nourishes the world. There were moments when the food supplies seemed to be running low, but Baba would always ensure there was more than enough to feed everyone, demonstrating his miraculous siddhi (spiritual power) of abundance.

At one particular Kumbh Mela, Neem Karoli Baba personally visited an old woman’s humble hut, asking for food. Despite having only a simple meal of dal and roti to offer, the old woman humbly served Baba. Baba sat with her, enjoying the meal with such love and devotion that it touched her heart deeply. In this act, Baba showed that true divinity lies not in grand gestures but in the simplicity of shared meals and pure love.

The Kumbh Mela as a Spiritual Training Ground

For Baba’s devotees, the Kumbh Mela was not just a place to witness divine miracles; it was also a spiritual training ground. Baba would often challenge his devotees to work hard and maintain discipline. There were days when food was served with anger or impatience, and Baba would scold his devotees, reminding them that food should be served with love, not frustration. These moments were not just about feeding the body but also about feeding the soul, teaching the devotees the value of love, patience, and humility in their service to others.

The Miracles of Protection and Guidance

One of the most remarkable aspects of Neem Karoli Baba’s presence during the Kumbh Mela was his ability to see beyond the present moment, offering his devotees protection and guidance. On one occasion, Baba warned a police official about a catastrophe that was going to occur the next day at the Sangam, during the most auspicious bathing time. The official dismissed Baba’s warning, but as Baba predicted, a deadly stampede occurred, causing the loss of many lives. Baba’s words were a powerful reminder of his ability to foresee events and protect those in his care.

The Love and Grace of Neem Karoli Baba

The Kumbh Mela served as a backdrop for the miraculous manifestations of Neem Karoli Baba’s love, compassion, and grace. Whether it was feeding thousands of devotees with divine food, protecting them from harm, or simply sharing a moment of connection with an old woman, Baba’s life was a living example of the power of unconditional love. His miracles were not just acts of wonder; they were lessons in humility, service, and devotion.

Neem Karoli Baba’s presence at the Kumbh Mela was more than just a spiritual experience—it was a reminder that in the midst of chaos, love and grace are always present, waiting to embrace us. In his presence, the divine was tangible, and every moment was a potential miracle. As we reflect on his life and teachings, we are reminded that the true miracle is the love he showed to everyone he encountered, transforming lives with his grace and wisdom.

Ram Ram.