Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, was a remarkable figure whose life story continues to inspire millions worldwide. Born in India's Himalayan region in 1900 and passing away in 1973, Maharajji embodied the essence of Indian spirituality, particularly the principle of "Love everyone, serve everyone."

Despite his aversion to publicity, Maharajji's influence extended far and wide through his teachings and actions. He motivated people to serve humanity, contributing to causes such as smallpox eradication and blindness prevention. Maharajji's impact transcended various fields, inspiring individuals in management, consulting, emotional intelligence, writing, spirituality, and beyond.

His devotees remember him as a source of boundless love and wisdom, likening him to the Hindu deity Hanuman, who grants the wishes of seekers and offers them the highest fruits of life. Maharajji's legacy as a noble ambassador of the Indian Himalayan lineage endures, with millions around the globe, including those who never met him, continuing to draw inspiration from his teachings and viewing him as a source of infinite energy.

The title "Patron Saint of Silicon Valley" highlights the universality of Maharajji's influence, reaching even into the realm of technological innovation. It underscores the relevance of his teachings in modern contexts, demonstrating their applicability beyond traditional spiritual settings.

Maharajji's emphasis on love, service, and personal growth offers timeless guidance for navigating life's complexities with compassion and integrity. By learning from his life and teachings, individuals can gain insight into the nature of human existence and the pursuit of inner peace and fulfillment.

“Patron Saint of Silicon Valley”

Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, has garnered a significant following, including notable figures like Steve Jobs, Julia Roberts, Mark Zuckerberg, Virat Kohli, and Anushka Sharma, despite many of them never having met him in person. Reports suggest that Steve Jobs carried a picture of Maharajji with him, and it was Jobs who inspired Zuckerberg to visit Kainchi Dham in 2008. This association has led some to describe Maharajji as the patron saint of Silicon Valley, reflecting the broad reach of his influence.

Life Story

Maharajji, originally named Lakshman Das Sharma, was born around 1900 in Akbarpur village in Uttar Pradesh, India. Despite being married early in life and having children, he eventually left his family to pursue his spiritual calling, earning various names such as Handi Wala Baba, Tikonia Wala Baba, and Blanket Baba, among others, depending on the region.

His spiritual prowess and enigmatic presence attracted devotees from far and wide. Parvati further, an author, editor, and devotee of Maharajji, noted his vast yogic and spiritual powers, which left a profound impact on those who encountered him. Despite his transient nature, spending only a few days in one place, his influence remained palpable, even as his devotees from the West joined those from India in seeking his guidance.

Parvati emphasized that Maharajji's presence was enough for his followers, and they felt no need to delve into his personal life. Instead, they found solace and contentment in his teachings and spiritual presence.

Maharajji's legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. His teachings of love, service, and spiritual growth remain relevant in today's fast-paced world, offering solace and guidance to those seeking inner peace and fulfillment.

Fame and Miracles

Neem Karoli Baba, fondly known as Maharajji, gained renown not just for his spiritual teachings but also for the miraculous events associated with him. One such incident, recounted in Prema Vatar by P. C. Josi "Mukunda," sheds light on the origin of the name Neem Karoli Baba.

According to the tale, a young yogi carrying musical tongs and a kamandal (water pot) boarded a first-class train compartment without a ticket. When confronted by the ticket examiner, the sadhu was forced to alight at a place called Neebkarori. There, under a tree, he dug the tongs into the earth, causing the train to inexplicably halt despite efforts to move it. Only after the sadhu was allowed back onto the train did it resume its journey. This episode brought fame to the village of Neebkarori and led to the sadhu being known as Neem Karoli Baba.

The name Neem Karoli Baba gained popularity, partly because his Western followers struggled with pronouncing Karori. Maharajji was renowned as a wandering saint with an unpredictable schedule, sometimes appearing simultaneously in multiple places. He taught that one could experience the guru's presence not only physically but also through dreams, visions, or deep meditation. Numerous devotees recounted profound experiences with Maharajji, where he displayed knowledge of their innermost thoughts and experiences. For instance, he accurately described to Ram Dass his contemplations about his mother's death the day before they met. Similarly, he revealed to American devotee Parvati how she had felt inspired by him even before encountering him, merely by seeing his picture in the US.

These accounts underscore Maharajji's profound spiritual influence and the transformative impact he had on those who came into contact with him, whether physically or through other means of connection.

Teachings

Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, was revered for his deep spiritual practices and the miracles attributed to him, which attracted a diverse following encompassing people from all walks of life, including the most marginalized in society. Many households, particularly in North India, regarded him as their spiritual guide and prominently displayed his photographs.

Maharajji's spiritual stature was acknowledged by figures such as Swami Chidananda of the Divine Life Mission, who referred to him as a "siddha purusha" (perfect being) with profound insight into past, present, and future.

His grandson, Sandeep Bhatele, shared anecdotes illustrating Maharajji's compassionate nature and his commitment to serving humanity, including feeding the poor and assisting families in need.

Despite Maharajji's lack of formal teachings or organized institution, his core message emphasized love, service, and remembrance of God. He encouraged seekers to explore their spiritual paths independently, often through simple practices like japa (repeating the name of God) and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Maharajji embodied the principles of bhakti yoga, emphasizing devotion as a means to spiritual union and advocating for the transcendence of the ego. He taught that loving everyone and serving others were crucial steps toward Self-Realization.

His teachings were imparted not only through formal instruction but also through everyday interactions, offering profound lessons on detachment and the importance of inner peace.

During times of conflict, Maharajji provided counsel that emphasized a dharmic approach to conflict resolution and the cultivation of inner peace amidst external turmoil.

Through his actions and teachings, Maharajji left a lasting impact on all who encountered him, embodying a spirituality grounded in love, service, and detachment.

Lord Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba

The ethereal connection between Neem Karoli Baba, known as Maharajji, and Lord Hanuman is a fascinating aspect of his life, deeply ingrained in the beliefs of his devotees. Many consider him to be an incarnation of Hanuman, and references to Hanuman are prevalent in literature, documentaries, and visual depictions of Maharajji.

Vivek Tiwari, Maharajji's grandson-in-law, expressed this belief, describing Maharajji as Hanuman himself in human form. He likened Hanuman's selfless service and lack of ego to Maharajji's own character, emphasizing Maharajji's multifaceted knowledge and unwavering dedication to serving and loving all beings without any expectations in return.

Parvati Markus echoed these sentiments, recounting experiences where devotees felt transported or held by Maharajji in a manner reminiscent of Hanuman's legendary abilities.

Maharajji epitomized Hanuman's virtues by emphasizing service to others and realizing God without societal divisions. This parallels the story of Hanuman's devotion to Lord Ram, where Hanuman declared his identity as one with Ram.

For his devotees, Maharajji holds a supreme status, with Philip Goldberg noting that even Ram Dass, who played a significant role in spreading Maharajji's teachings in the West, regarded Maharajji as the ultimate inspiration and authority.

Despite not having a designated successor, Maharajji's legacy continues through those inspired by him, such as Sri Siddhi Ma and Sri Jeevanti Ma, who are revered as pivotal figures in Maharajji's spiritual journey. These devotees, referred to as "Ma" by Maharajji, continue to embody his teachings and serve his legacy with devotion and reverence.

Global impact 

Cultural exchanges have become pivotal in fostering mutual understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. Between 1968 and 1973, these exchanges, facilitated by figures like Maharajji, provided Americans with profound insights into India's spirituality and cultural richness, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation.

Maharajji, much like other revered spiritual leaders such as Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo, never physically journeyed to the United States. Nonetheless, his teachings and influence transcended geographical boundaries, deeply impacting individuals like Ram Dass (formerly known as Dr. Richard Alpert). This influence is attributed by some to the quest for meaning and purpose among American youth, particularly during times of social upheaval like the Vietnam War era.

Many Americans seeking spiritual experiences embarked on transformative journeys after encountering Maharajji. Parvati, one such individual, recounted her own experience of realizing the limitations of drug-induced states and discovering profound, lasting happiness through Maharajji's teachings.

Ram Dass's personal transformation serves as a notable example. Initially drawn to India for academic and personal exploration involving psychedelic substances, he underwent a profound shift in consciousness upon meeting Maharajji. Despite facing professional setbacks, including dismissal from Harvard University due to his use of psychedelics, Ram Dass's subsequent lectures and influential book "Be Here Now" inspired countless spiritual seekers worldwide.

Even today, Maharajji's devotees continue to embody his teachings. Krishna Das, a prominent kirtan vocalist and devotee of Maharajji, emphasized the sincerity of their spiritual quest and the transformative impact of their encounters with Maharajji. Maharajji bestowed Indian names upon his Western followers, symbolizing their commitment as servants of God.

Beyond spiritual circles, Maharajji's legacy extends to individuals like Daniel Goleman and Dr. Larry Brilliant, who have made significant contributions to society. Goleman's work on emotional intelligence and Brilliant's efforts to combat smallpox and blindness exemplify the practical application of Maharajji's teachings.

Language barriers were never an obstacle for Maharajji's devotees, who experienced a deep spiritual connection with him transcending linguistic differences. Today, numerous institutions, ashrams, and temples continue to uphold Maharajji's principles of universal love, service, and compassion, perpetuating his timeless legacy.

Legacy

Neem Karoli Baba attained mukti on September 11, 1973, leaving his physical body in Vrindavan on Anant Chaturdashi day. Krishna Das asserts that Maharajji is still alive and well through us and has not left us. He looks out for all of us everywhere. A samadhi shrine, constructed in his Vrindavan ashram, contains some of his personal belongings. People continue to make pilgrimages to ashrams and temples associated with him. The sage established more than fifteen temples in his lifetime, and more than 100 temples and ashrams around the world were inspired by him, all managed by his followers and family. The Kainchi Ashram in Nainital, Uttarakhand, was built in 1964. Maharajji would spend summers in Nainital and winters in Vrindavan. An annual function to commemorate the inauguration of the Kainchi Ashram is held on June 15. A small USA ashram and Hanuman temple dedicated to Maharajji is active in New Mexico. 

Countless leaders, celebrities, writers and scientists have followed and continue to follow Neem Karoli Baba. He lives in their work and through them. This is only possible because of the unconditional love and the seva bhava that he imbued in all who came into contact with him. This has been successfully transmitted for years by people in various walks of life. The number of people who follow Maharajji grows every day. They go on pilgrimages to places connected to Maharajji and make sure to meditate while they are there. 

He is an integral part of the rich legion of India’s spiritual might. One line of Hanuman Chalisa says, Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai. Janam janam ke dukh bisaravai, which means, “O Hanuman, through devotion to Ram, one comes to you and is free of sorrow for several lives.” Maharajji, through his simple but effective methods of teaching, communicated this. Maharajji uniquely demonstrated, by his own idiosyncracies, that you don’t have to be pure or holy to love God, the world and yourself unconditionally. 

All his life, Neem Karoli Baba remained accessible and authentic. He was the same to the poorest of the poor and the wealthy businessmen. A shopkeeper in a remote Indian village will narrate his experiences with the sage as fervently as a devotee from outside of India. I asked Gayatri Wagle, an India-based devotee and Bach flower therapist who makes regular trips to Kainchi Ashram, to describe Maharajji in one word. She instantly responded, “Grace.”

Sayings from the Sage

from miracle of love, by ram dass (1979)

• Never hurt another’s heart.
• People are quick to take a chapati, but slow to take the name of God.
• Serve as Hanuman served.
• The best form to worship God is every form.
• Love is the strongest medicine. It is more powerful than electricity.
• When asked how the heart could be purified, Maharajji said, “Always speak the truth.”
• With desires, Hatha yoga does not work. Today no one really knows Hatha yoga. It can’t work through books. They used to fast and use herbs.
• Worldly people go outward, but you must go inward like the tortoise, withdrawing within your shell.
• You must honor Shiva through love. Ram and Shiva are the same. Ram worshiped Shiva, Shiva worshiped Ram, they are only one.
• You should do your work, be friendly to everyone, and never quarrel with anyone. Do your work like a great hero and all will be well for you.
• All is God’s will, but Maya prevents you from knowing it’s all God’s will. He gave us eyes, ears, nose, mouth. But He also gave us wisdom to use them to attain God.
• All the money in the world is mine. Even the money in America.

What Was He Like?

Describing the experience of being around Maharajji, it becomes evident that he defied conventional categorizations. Unlike many other saints, he didn't adhere to strict rules regarding eating or socializing. His devotees came from diverse backgrounds, encompassing various religions, social statuses, and even atheists, all finding resonance in his presence.

Maharajji's teachings were not delivered through traditional sermons; instead, his devotees found themselves constantly learning from him without explicit instruction. His actions seemed to transcend the limitations of time and space, simultaneously attending to multiple matters while embodying an enigmatic persona. Despite his profound influence, he often responded to questions with a simple "How do I know?"—suggesting a deliberate avoidance of being pinned down to a specific description.

Beyond Miracles

Maharajji's multifaceted nature is reflected in the diverse perceptions held by his devotees. Each individual believes their understanding of him to be the true essence, yet his infinite identities remain elusive. Despite this, devotees are drawn to him, yearning to fully comprehend his essence, akin to Hanuman's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.

He is revered as the path to spiritual fulfillment, embodying wisdom and grace. Devotees cherish moments of shared faith, transcending doubt and judgment, and experiencing profound love and reverence. While his miracles are awe-inspiring, it's his humanity—his sweetness, tenderness, and empathy—that truly resonates with his followers.

Final Days: "Let's Go!"

In his final days, Maharajji expressed a desire to depart, indicating a sense of restlessness and detachment from worldly attachments. Despite efforts to conceal his intentions, his close associates sensed his longing to transcend the physical realm.

One particular incident stands out when Maharajji abruptly suggested a journey to Kedarnath and Badrinath, implying a departure from the ashram. Little did they know, this was a precursor to his ultimate departure from his mortal form.