As we tread the path of self-discovery, the Universe nudges us toward what we need for each step of our journey. Over countless lifetimes, our deepest yearning has been for that singular, profound connection—a master who will guide us and lead us to our true purpose.
In 2019, I went to Rishikesh with my friend Charishma for a meditation and yoga camp. Who would have known that this trip would lead me to that primordial connection I had been craving all my life?
While the days were devoted to practicing meditation, the evenings gave us free time. Among the spiritual lore that filled our hearts, the stories of Neem Karoli Baba, who touched the lives of legends like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Julia Roberts, lit a fire within. We felt a strong urge to visit his ashram nearby, a mystical sanctuary where the spirit of these extraordinary encounters still resonated.
Once there, we were led to a small, tranquil room that exuded peace and serenity. A large, captivating photo of Neem Karoli Baba, respectfully called Maharaj-ji, dominated the space, which seemed to pulsate with his presence. This was a place designed for deep connection, where the energy of Maharaj-ji wrapped around us like a comforting embrace.
Surprisingly, Luna, a participant from our meditation course, joined us in this intimate setting. As we recited the Hanuman Chalisa, signing the glory of Lord Hanuman, and meditated together, the room became infused with a sacred ambiance.
Soon, a powerful wave of emotion surged within me. I noticed Luna, too, was silently moved to tears. We felt an inexplicable connection to Maharaj-ji’s energy through the photograph in the room as if his divine presence had touched the deepest corners of our souls. Our tears began to flow freely—a spontaneous outpouring of devotion and love for the divine. Those tears were more like a manifestation of the Ashtasatvik Bhava, one of the eight sacred expressions that reveal a devotee’s profound bond with the divine.
Many serendipitous events led Aparna Dedhia to the Kainchi Dham ashram, four years after she felt she was summoned by Neem Karoli Baba. She and her son have returned to the sacred place to gain more insights and understanding of their aspirations and callings.
Chance Encounters or Calling?
Luna, a sound healer from California, shared the story of her spiritual journey with us, recounting how her guru, Baba Bhagwan Das from the US, had guided her to Maharaj-ji’s main ashram in Kainchi Dham, 170 miles east on the way to Almora. At Kainchi Ashram, she experienced a healing and transformative experience that reshaped the contours of her soul.
Luna was called to Kainchi during her first journey to Rishikesh. However, even after Maharaj-ji’s gentle summons, reaching this sacred destination took me four long years. To claim that I embarked on this pilgrimage without expectations or desires would be untruthful. I’ve always believed that true liberation can only come from realization of one’s self. It is this truth, once fully embraced, that paves the way to ultimate freedom and inner peace. My journey, though delayed, was no less significant—a journey not just to Kainchi, but towards the realization of this inner truth, guided by the same divine force that once called Luna.
The Call of Krishna Das
In 2023, my family planned a trip to Rishikesh for Maha Shivratri to immerse ourselves in the spiritual energy of Lord Shiva. During a casual conversation, my friend Raji suggested: “Why not attend Krishna Das’s concert the day after Maha Shivratri?” At the time, I was unaware of the connection between Maharaj-ji and Krishna Das. However, Raji’s suggestion sparked a chain of serendipitous events, weaving a beautiful tapestry of destiny that would ultimately lead us to the sacred embrace of Kainchi Dham.
At the concert, we were struck by the sheer diversity of the big gathering. People from all walks of life and various corners of the globe converged there, drawn by the magnetic pull of Krishna Das’s devotional music.
As Krishna Das began to sing, each bhajan and chant resonated deeply, not just in the concert hall but within the souls of those present. The music seemed to serve as a bridge, connecting us to something far greater, something eternal.
It is said that Neem Karoli Baba had blessed Krishna Das, affirming that chanting is his true calling and a divine gift. This sacred endorsement has imbued his music with a resonance that touches hearts across the globe. Little did we know that this night would be a stepping stone in our journey, leading us to the tranquil sanctity of Kainchi Dham where the threads of our destinies would weave together in a sacred dance of grace and serendipity.
After returning home to Mumbai, I shared with my husband the extraordinary experience of witnessing Krishna Das and the profound impact of his chanting of Ram naam and Hanuman Chalisa. This unexpected stop felt like a reconnection to 2019 when I first visited Maharaj-ji’s ashram in Rishikesh. It was as if the universe had woven a complex tapestry of destiny, bringing us full circle to a moment of profound spiritual clarity.
Our inspiration compelled us to take the next step on our spiritual journey. To our delight, my friends Rachna and Priyanka and their husbands were intrigued by our experience and decided to join us on a trip to Kainchi Dham. They brought their sons along, making the pilgrimage even more special. This was particularly meaningful for my son, Tanishq, and his namesake, Priyanka’s son—both standing at pivotal crossroads in their relationships and careers. The convergence of our paths, resonating with the soulful chants of Krishna Das and the anticipation of seeking Neem Karoli Baba’s blessings, felt like a divine opportunity to deepen our quest for meaning and purpose.
Together, the nine of us embarked on this sacred journey. This trip wasn’t just about spiritual enrichment but a chance for our sons to find clarity and direction amid their uncertainties. It felt like the universe had orchestrated this convergence of souls, leading us all toward a collective awakening and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the paths ahead.
Embraced by Sacred Resonance
Once at the Kanchi Dham ashram, a profound sense of communion enveloped us as if cradled by Maharaj-ji’s energies. Despite the crowd, a serene calm permeated the atmosphere. People moved in orderly queues, their reverence and discipline reflecting a deep respect, guided by an unseen force that inspired awe and tranquillity. The sacred resonance of the place harmonized with our inner devotion, weaving a cocoon of spiritual grace that embraced us all.
Within the sanctum, my son and I poured our desires, anguish, and emotions onto paper. The sanctuary was adorned with copies of Hanuman Chalisa in many languages, and the air vibrated with the rhythmic chants of devoted souls. This place embodied peace in its purest form, captivating us and our boys. It’s often said that the greater one’s need, the deeper the enchantment felt, and here, amidst the spiritual resonance, we found ourselves profoundly moved.
The Transformative Power of Kainchi Dham
The profound influence of Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram left an indelible mark on our lives, especially on Tanishq Dhirwani, my friend Priyanka’s son. He described his pilgrimage as one of his life’s most spiritually enriching experiences. Kainchi Dham uniquely elevates all aspects of life—personal or professional. The ashram’s transformative aura deeply resonated with Tanishq, providing him with a mental peace that continues to guide him today. His relationship blossomed into new realms of harmony, and he achieved long-held aspirations professionally.
For my son, Tanishq, the call to return to Kainchi was irresistible. Between our visits, we were flooded with insights, realizing that sometimes we must shed our tears to clear the path before we can truly see the light ahead. Life nudges us toward a deeper understanding, especially when traversing valleys of uncertainty. Returning to a sacred space like Kainchi feels like peeling back another layer of the intricate mosaic of our desires, aspirations, and callings. While the essence of the place remains constant, our perception and understanding of life evolve with each visit.
My son and I felt the return to the ashram offered a fresh perspective and deeper insights, drawing us closer to our goals. It felt like the divine continually invited us to explore more about ourselves and the profound essence of life surrounding us. Whether Maharaj-ji or Hanuman-ji calls us, their presence enriches our lives with faith. As Maharaj-ji wisely said, “When people think of me, I’m with them. Just keep repeating the name of Ram as Hanuman-ji did.”
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Neem Karoli Baba: A call to the divine
Neem Karoli Baba (1900 –1973), also known as Maharaj-ji, was a revered Indian spiritual leader and bhakti yoga master devoted to Lord Hanuman. Known for his teachings on love, compassion, and selfless service, he inspired countless followers to transform their lives and deepen their connection to the divine. Maharaj-ji’s influence extended beyond India, with prominent Western followers like Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and Jai Uttal.
Kainchi Dham ashram.
His ashrams are spread across India, including Kainchi Dham and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Taos, New Mexico, in the US.
One of his legendary miracles occurred when a train refused to move after he was ejected, starting again only when he was respectfully brought back on board. This earned him the title ‘Neem Karoli Baba’. Despite his simplicity and humility, his spiritual power continues to be felt deeply by devotees worldwide, with many reporting profound experiences of his presence even after his passing.
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