Kainchi Dham, also known as Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, is a spiritual center located in Uttarakhand, the Indian state known as Devbhoomi or Land of Gods. Founded by a greatly revered saint, Baba Neem Karoli, this ashram draws thousands of visitors not only from the country but also from the world. It holds a unique reputation for the deep sense of tranquility and an unmatched spiritual energy that many devotees seek here.
The founder of this Ashram, Baba Neem Karoli, was a Hindu religious figure, a saint, and a mystic. Also known as Neeb Karori Baba and Maharaj Ji amongst his followers, he was a preacher of Seva, or service, as the highest form of devotion to god. He lived a simple life, away from the worldly pleasures, and this is what drew countless devotees to him, even from abroad.
The ashram derives its name, Kainchi Dham, for the scissor-like shape formed by two hills intersecting each other that surround the ashram. Located amidst such scenic views, Uttarakhand mountains in the backdrop and Shipra River flowing by, this is the ideal spiritual retreat for not just Hindu devotees but anyone seeking to meditate, introspect and gain spiritual awakening.
Kainchi Dham History and Significance
Founded by Baba Neem Karoli in the year 1964, Kainchi Dham is where he spent the last decade of his life. It was originally built with one Hanuman Temple, but expanded over time. Neem Karoli Baba’s real name was Lakshman Narayan Sharma. He was born in the year 1900 in Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh. At the young age of 11 years, he got married to Rambeti Sharma, but he soon left his home, only to return later after much request from his father. However, in 1958, he gave up worldly pleasures and started wandering about the country again.
Over time, he travelled extensively through the northern part of India, meditating and preaching. He was known for his simple and humble nature, while also having many magical powers. One of the most famous tales related to his magical powers is that once while travelling through Uttar Pradesh in a train without ticket, he was forced to deboard by the ticket checker at a station called Neem Karoli in Farrukhabad. Post this, the train seemed to not start moving forward despite many attempts. It was only after he was asked to board the train that it started, and this is why he was known by the name of Neeb Karori Baba.
This story is only one of the many tales that people have narrated about his mystical powers. In his name, over 100 temples have been built, the two primary ashrams being Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand and Samadhi Temple in Vrindavan. At the age of 73, he died in Vrindavan after slipping into diabetic coma. His remains were brought to Kainchi Dham as per his last wish, since he had spent most of his life’s last decade there. His remains are still at Kainchi Dham, which is one of the reasons why his worshippers flock to this ashram, in order to seek his blessings.
Kainchi Dham originally had a Hanuman Temple, but now also has a Vaishnavi Temple and Neem Karoli Baba Temple which is the main attraction for those visiting this place. Its fame spread beyond the country because of Baba Ramdas, who visited this ashram during the 1960’s and stayed with Baba Neem Karoli for a few years, ultimately spreading his teachings in the west. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple visited Kainchi Dham in the 70s and found the clarity and motivation to start his company. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, also happened to visit this place having been inspired by Steve Jobs.
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Location of Kainchi Dham and How to Reach
The ashram is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, 17 km away from Nainital, which is the most major town near Kainchi Dham. Located at an altitude of 1400 m, it is easily accessible by various modes of transport.
By Air: Pantnagar (70 km) is the nearest airport to Kainchi Dham, from where you can take a taxi or a bus either to Nainital or directly to the ashram.
By Train: If you are travelling by train, you can deboard at Kathgodam railway station (42 km). From here, shared cabs as well as private cabs are easily available. You can also take a local bus which is an even more affordable option.
By Road: The ashram is well connected by road to many major towns nearby like Nainital, Bhimtal, Almora and Kathgodam. You can take shared or private taxis, or local buses to reach Kainchi Dham by road. If you’re travelling by your own or rented vehicle, it also has parking facilities for the same.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
The ideal time to visit Kainchi Dham depends on your preference. During summer months, i.e. , April to June, the temperature remains between 15-25 degrees, making it a pleasant experience.
It is equally scenic and enjoyable during winters, i.e. between November and March. Although it gets cold, you can avoid crowds and enjoy snowfall during these months.
Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit Kainchi Dham. During the months of September to November, the weather is not extreme and it is cool enough to enjoy this spiritual retreat.
However, during monsoons, which is in the months of July and August, the area receives heavy rainfall and there is often a risk of landslides, so it is best to avoid these months.
Kainchi Dham Timings and Entry Fee
- Kainchi Dham is open all year round and all are welcome to visit without any entry fee.
- The timings of the ashram differ based on the season, but generally, it is open between 6 am to 7 pm.
Activities in Kainchi Dham
There are several activities that visitors can engage in at Kainchi Dham apart from Darshan that truly make the trip fulfilling:
- Aarti and Kirtan- You can take part in the Aartis and Satsang whenever they happen at the temple.
- Meditation and Jaap- It is common practice for many devotees who come to Kainchi Dham to sit in silence amidst the serene environment of this place and meditate or chant Hanuman Chalisa, which adds more value to their visit.
- Annual Fair/Bhandara- On June 15, Neem Karoli Baba’s Bhandara is hosted every year which marks the most important annual ritual at this ashram. Devotees in big numbers attend this event where they get to eat the Prasad and receive blessings.
- Maha Shivratri, Hanuman Jayanti and other festival celebrations- If you happen to visit Kainchi Dham on one of the major Hindu festivals, you might be able to participate in the celebrations and Chantings.
Major Attractions near Kainchi Dham
Alongside visiting the temples at Kainchi Dham, there are some other tourist attractions that you can visit while you are here:
- Nainital- Nainital being the closest major town near Kainchi Dham remains the top choice for sightseeing if you are in this region, situated only 17 km away. Naina Devi Temple is a must visit when you are in Nainital.
- Jageshwar Dham- If you have some time, you can go to Jageshwar Dham in Almora district which is about 100 km away from Kainchi Dham. With over 100 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a perfect place to visit for those interested in ancient architecture.
- Mukteshwar Dham- Yet another attraction about 50 km away from Kainchi Dham is Mukteshwar which is known for its 350 year old Shiva Temple, where Pandavas are believed to have established a Shiva-Linga during their exile.
- Bhimtal- For those looking for a smaller, quieter getaway as compared to Nainital, this is the perfect option. Bhimtal offers scenic views of the lake and the mountains. You can enjoy boating here and visit Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple for a spiritual experience.
- Jim Corbett National Park- If wildlife is something that interests you, it is a good idea to spend a day or two at Jim Corbett National Park where you can soak in the tranquility and peace of a jungle, go on a jungle safari for wildlife sightings and explore some more local temples like Garjiya Devi Temple.
Where to Stay in Kainchi Dham
There are two major options when it comes to accommodation in and around Kainchi Dham:
- Staying at Kainchi Dham Ashram- The Ashram at Kainchi Dham is probably the best form of accommodation if your goal is to experience the charm of this place in its entirety. You can participate in daily activities at the ashram, volunteer for cooking and working at the farm and get to really live the simple life of devotion that Baba Neem Karoli preached. However, the number of people the ashram can host is limited and prior applications have to be sent in order to get considered for ashram stay.
- Private Accommodation Near Kainchi Dham – Another convenient option is to book a stay in a private accommodation based on your budget. There are many hotels, homestays and guesthouses nearby of various types, so you can pick one that suits your needs.
- Stay in Nearby Towns- Many tourists also prefer to book their stays in nearby towns like Nainital or Bhimtal, since there is no dearth of options and it is fairly easy to travel from there to Kainchi Dham by road.
FAQs about Kainchi Dham
Q-1: Why is Kainchi Dham famous?
Ans: Kainchi Dham is popular among people in India and abroad because of its founder, Baba Neem Karoli, who is a widely revered Hindu mystic and has had a huge influence on people due to his preachings. Devotees come here in large numbers to seek Baba’s blessings and to instill his teachings within themselves.
Q-2: Is Kainchi Dham closed during winters?
Ans: No, Kainchi Dham is open all year round, including winters, which can be a beautiful time to visit this place.
Q-3: Is there a dress code for Kainchi Dham?
Ans: There is no dress code officially but it is best to wear modest or traditional clothes when visiting Kainchi Dham.
Q-4: How to book a stay at Kainchi Dham Ashram?
Ans: One can stay at the ashram by sending an email or calling ashram authorities. Typically, it is slightly hard to get accommodation in the ashram and the maximum number of days one can stay is 3 days. For more information, visit the official website – https://babaneebkarorimaharaj.com/
Q-5: Can I go to Kainchi Dham by my own vehicle?
Ans: Yes, it is very convenient to drive to Kainchi Dham by personal vehicle or a rented two-wheeler. There is ample parking space at the premises too.
Q-6: Is there an entry fee to visit Kainchi Dham?
Ans: No, there is no entry fee as such, but you are welcome to offer donations which are used towards the maintenance of the place.
Q-7: Can I go to Kainchi Dham by public transport?
Ans: Yes, there are buses running from major neighbouring towns like Nainital and Kathgodam which can be a very affordable option to visit Kainchi Dham.
Conclusion
Baba Neem Karoli’s Ashram at Kainchi Dham is a unique spiritual retreat that allows you to connect with your own self, introspect and meditate amidst breathtaking beauty of surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It is a place where all are welcome, regardless of their religious and ethnic background. Kainchi Dham’s appeal has rightfully spread beyond borders and draws thousands of devotees for the unparalleled simplicity in Baba Neem Karoli’s preachings. And what better way to imbibe his values than to visit the place where his remains are still kept preserved, making it a truly blessed place for his followers.
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