Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba or Maharaj-ji, was a revered Indian Hindu saint and spiritual teacher whose life and teachings continue to attract devotees from across the world. He is the central figure portrayed in the 2026 devotional film Hanuman Ansh, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi.
Who Was Neem Karoli Baba?
Neem Karoli Baba was born as Lakshman Narayan Sharma around the early 20th century in present-day Uttar Pradesh. He became widely known for his devotion to Lord Hanuman, simple lifestyle and teachings centred on love, compassion, faith and selfless service.
His followers affectionately called him Maharaj-ji. Many devotees also regard him as having a divine connection with Hanuman, which is reflected in the title Hanuman Ansh, meaning an aspect or portion of Hanuman. This is a matter of religious belief rather than an established historical fact.
What Is Kainchi Dham?
The place most closely associated with Neem Karoli Baba is Kainchi Dham, a spiritual ashram situated in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand.
Baba established the ashram in the 1960s, and it gradually became an important pilgrimage centre. The annual Kainchi Dham Bhandara, held in June, attracts large numbers of devotees.
Today, Kainchi Dham is internationally famous, partly because of its association with prominent Western followers and visitors.
Connection With Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg
Neem Karoli Baba's influence eventually reached Silicon Valley.
Steve Jobs travelled to India in the 1970s seeking spiritual guidance. Although Baba had died before Jobs could meet him, Jobs spent months travelling through India and visiting ashrams. His Indian journey is widely regarded as an important period of personal reflection.
Years later, Mark Zuckerberg visited Kainchi Dham during a difficult period for Facebook. Zuckerberg later said that Steve Jobs had recommended the visit to him.
Hollywood actress Julia Roberts has also spoken publicly about Neem Karoli Baba's spiritual influence on her.
His Teachings
Neem Karoli Baba's philosophy was remarkably simple. His teachings are commonly associated with:
Love everyone
Serve others
Remember God
Remain humble
Have faith
Help people without expecting anything in return
His American disciple Ram Dass, formerly Harvard psychologist Richard Alpert, played a major role in introducing Baba's teachings to Western audiences. Ram Dass's book Be Here Now helped make these ideas widely known internationally.
Neem Karoli Baba's Death
Neem Karoli Baba died on 11 September 1973 in Vrindavan, but his spiritual legacy continued through his ashrams, disciples and millions of devotees.
Hanuman Ansh and His Legacy
The film Hanuman Ansh brings Neem Karoli Baba's life and spiritual journey to the big screen. The movie has renewed public interest in the saint, particularly among audiences curious about Kainchi Dham, his teachings, reported miracles and his connection with global personalities.
Ultimately, Neem Karoli Baba's enduring appeal goes beyond stories of miracles. For his followers, his greatest legacy is a straightforward message: love, serve, remember God and live with humility.
