Besides the lush greenery of the Kumaon and picturesque hills and lakes, Nainital is also popular for its spiritual legacy. Kainchi Dham Ashram – the religious retreat by the revered Neem Karoli Baba stands as a beacon of spirituality and divine grace near Nainital. This spiritual site has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and is often visited by celebrities and industrialists from the West seeking spirituality. But did you know about the fascinating Kainchi Dham history? In this blog, let us learn more about the history of Kainchi Dham, its profound spiritual significance, and how the enigmatic aura of its founder continues to draw devotees from all walks of life.
The Enigmatic Neem Karoli Baba
Born as Lakshman Narayan Sharma in 1900 in Akbarpur village, Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, Neem Karoli Baba began a spiritual quest that took him to the Himalayas where he experienced deep enlightenment.
This revered spiritual master was also affectionately called Maharajji, Chamatkari Baba, Tallaiya Baba and Neem Karoli Baba by his followers. His teachings, though simple, were profound, focusing on love, compassion, and selfless service. His life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals.
Kainchi Dham Ashram in Nainital
Kainchi Dham ashram is 17 km away from Nainital and can be reached by car or bus. Located on the Nainital-Almora road in Uttarakhand, this beautiful shrine attracts spiritual seekers from around the world.
This ashram is renowned for the Hanuman Mandir and its consecration day (15th June) when an annual bhandara is organized attracting a huge number of Devotees.
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham Ashram is between March and June when the weather is pleasant.
In the following section let us share the fascinating Kainchi Dham history so that you know know about the significance of the shrine.
Kainchi Dham History
Whether you are seeking inner peace or planning to just visit the ashram it is always good to know more about the origin of the place.
Significance of the Name Neem Karoli Baba
Numerous stories exist about Neem Karoli Baba’s mystical abilities and one such is responsible for his given name. He was once evicted from a train by the ticket collector since he was travelling without a ticket. They soon discovered, though, that the train would not start. Some passengers suggested asking the sadhu to board the train again after multiple unsuccessful attempts to start it. As soon as he got on board, it began to move miraculously. He was later dubbed Neem Karoli Baba because he was compelled to disembark at Neem Karoli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district.
Significance of Kainchi Dham
In the 1960s, Neem Karoli Baba chose Kainchi, a remote village in Uttarakhand, as the site for his ashram. The idea for Kainchi Dham was conceived in 1942 by Maharajji and Shri Poornanand of Kainchi Village. It’s said that Neem Karoli Baba had a dream about this place before he arrived.
While he was waiting on the parapet wall by the side of the road close to Kainchi, Maharajji summoned Shri Poornanand of Kainchi village at some point in 1962. When he arrived, they relived their first encounter, which had taken place in 1942, twenty years prior to this meeting.
The location where Sadhu Premi Baba and Sombari Maharaj had resided and conducted Yagyas was something Maharajji wished to see. After the forest was cleared, Maharajji requested that a Chabootara, or rectangular platform, be built to cover the Yagyashala.
The name “Kainchi” is derived from the two sharp bends in the road leading to the ashram, resembling a pair of scissors (kainchi in Hindi). Kainchi Dham ashram is located on the banks of the Kosi River.
The Ashram Land
Kainchi Dham Ashram in Nainital was built on land donated by a local resident of Kainchi village who was a follower of Neem Karoli Baba. The ashram complex includes a Hanuman temple, Kainchi Dham Temple, a Lakshmi Narayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, Wishing Bells, and an ashram for devotees. This shrine also contains the tomb or samadhi of Neem Karoli Baba.
Kainchi Dham Ashram – A Spiritual Retreat for the Modern Age
Kainchi Dham Ashram in Nainital serves as a peaceful escape from the chaos of modern urban life. It allows individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and feel the presence of the divine. The tranquil atmosphere of the ashram, along with the blessings of Neem Karoli Baba, fosters a profound spiritual experience.
This quaint ashram got worldwide recognition after several celebrities visited the location for reverence.
A Journey of Self-Discovery by Steve Jobs & Mark Zuckerburg
Kainchi Dham in its history got exceptional popularity after famous personalities like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg mentioned their visit to the shrine seeking spirituality.
Steve Jobs spent a year backpacking in India in 1974, in his teens, seeking spiritual guidance, and his time at the Kainchi Dham ashram profoundly impacted his life. Jobs visited the ashram a time when he was not getting success in his ventures. He never could meet Neem Karoli Baba because he had left the world in 1973, just a year before Jobs’ visit. Yet from Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings and philosophies, Jobs emerged with a clear vision of his future goals – Apple his brainchild, that transformed the telecom world.
Later, during a challenging phase in his life, he encouraged Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to visit Kainchi Dham and seek spiritual guidance. The tech giant’s founder visited the ashram in 2015. Surprisingly, Zuckerberg also credited his healing to his experience at Kainchi Dham Ashram. These remarkable stories contributed to Kainchi Dham becoming a sought-after destination for pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
There have been many more celebrities like Julia Roberts, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and more who have been inspired by Neem Karoli Baba, Kainchi Dham Ashram and his philosophies of love and compassion.
Staying At the Kainchi Dham Ashram
There is a boarding facility at the Kainchi Dham ashram for the devotees, however, admission is based on a letter of introduction and prior permissions. Staying at Nainital and travelling to the ashram by car is the most preferred option by travellers and pilgrims.
The Blue Book at Gethia, a luxury hotel in Nainital, is the perfect choice for those seeking an immersive experience of the lush hillsides, and for those searching for a hotel near Kainchi Dham. Immerse in the peace and quiet of the peaceful hills and enjoy the hospitality in a heritage bungalow from the 1890s. Blue Book at Gethia is just a half-hour’s drive from Kainchi Dham.
