While the Kainchi Dham ashram in Uttarakhand draws thousands of devotees annually, the spiritual legacy of Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, extends far beyond this iconic site. For seekers desiring a quieter, more contemplative connection, a trail of lesser-known ashrams and temples established by the saint offers profound peace. These locations, where Maharajji lived, meditated, and left an indelible mark, provide a unique window into his life away from the crowds.
The Final Abode: Neeb Karori Baba Vrindavan Ashram
Maharajji's physical journey concluded at the Neeb Karori Baba Vrindavan Ashram, a site of immense significance for his followers. He established this ashram in 1967 on Parikrama Marg near Mathura Road. This is not only where he spent his final days but also the place he chose for his mahasamadhi (final conscious departure from the body).
In 1973, during the Chaitra Navratra, Maharajji conducted a nine-day yajna (sacred fire ritual) here. He later determined the exact sacred location for his cremation within the ashram grounds. He passed away on September 10, 1973, at the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital. Following the instructions of another saint, Pagal Baba, his devotees performed the last rites on the ashram grounds on September 11 (Ananta Chaturdashi), using a sandalwood platform.
The ashram complex houses several temples dedicated to Hanuman, Durga, Sita-Ram, and Shivaji. The most poignant is the Mahasamadhi Mandir, built on the very spot of his cremation. This unique temple is architecturally designed to incorporate elements of a temple, mosque, church, gurdwara, and pagoda, symbolizing Maharajji's universal message that transcended all religions. A major gathering, the Mahasamadhi Bhandara, is held here every September.
The Delhi Sanctuary: Baba Neem Karoli Ashram
Shortly before his mahasamadhi, in the summer of 1973, Neem Karoli Baba himself inaugurated an ashram in the national capital. The Baba Neem Karoli Ashram in Delhi is located near Mehrauli, approximately a 30-minute drive from central New Delhi, on Mandi Road toward Jonapur.
This ashram holds a special place as the origin of many well-known photographs and books about Maharajji. Daily spiritual routines, including morning and evening arati (devotional songs with lamps), are faithfully observed. The ashram grounds are known for their beautiful, serene gardens that encourage meditation and reflection.
For devotees wishing to immerse themselves, the ashram does offer accommodation. However, prior permission and a formal letter of introduction are mandatory for anyone planning an overnight stay, ensuring the tranquility of the space is maintained.
The Riverbank Retreat: Neem Karoli Ashram, Kakrighat
Nestled on the banks of the Kosi River, between Almora and Ranikhet in Uttarakhand, the Kakrighat ashram is a powerhouse of spiritual energy. This site has been a meditation haven for multiple saints, including Neem Karoli Baba, Sombari Baba, Panjabi Baba, and even Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here under a Pipal tree in 1890.
For Maharajji, Kakrighat was a special sanctuary for intense meditation and deep spiritual practice. Many followers believe that he attained higher states of realization at this very spot. The combination of its pristine natural setting—the flowing river and tranquil forests—and its association with several enlightened beings gives Kakrighat a distinct and powerful spiritual dimension that continues to attract seekers.
A Legacy of Quiet Contemplation
These three ashrams form a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of Neem Karoli Baba's enduring legacy. While Kainchi Dham remains the central pilgrimage point, sites like Vrindavan, Delhi, and Kakrighat offer a different experience. They allow devotees to connect with the saint's memory in settings of subdued calm, mirroring the quiet intensity of his own spiritual practice. They stand as testaments to a life dedicated to service, devotion, and the pursuit of inner peace, inviting all to step away from the noise and find their own moment of clarity.
