Kainchi Dham: A Sacred Journey
Explore the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand — the beloved ashram of Neem Karoli Baba
1964
Founded
1,400m
Elevation
2 km
From Our Retreat
100K+
Annual Pilgrims
"Love Everyone, Serve Everyone"
— Neem Karoli Baba
What is Kainchi Dham?
Kainchi Dham is a revered ashram nestled in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, founded by the beloved Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji) in 1964. The name "Kainchi" means scissors in Hindi, referring to the two sharp hairpin bends on the Nainital-Almora road where the ashram is situated.
The first temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, was inaugurated on June 15, 1964. The land was generously donated by a local devotee named Purnanand. Today, the ashram draws over 100,000 pilgrims annually, including spiritual seekers from around the world.
The name "Kainchi" (scissors) symbolizes the cutting away of ego, fear, and illusion, leading devotees closer to truth and inner peace.
Temples Inside the Ashram
Hanuman Temple
The original temple inaugurated June 15, 1964. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Maharaj-ji's Samadhi
The main temple where Neem Karoli Baba's sacred tomb is located.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity blessings.
Vaishnavi Temple
Newly established temple welcoming devotees at the entrance.
Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji)
c. 1900 – September 11, 1973
history_edu Life Story
Born as Laxman Narayan Sharma around 1900 in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, he later became a wandering sadhu (holy man).
Though married at age 11 with three children, his deep spiritual calling led him to leave home and wander the Himalayas around 1958, eventually settling in the Kainchi region.
He passed away peacefully on September 11, 1973 in Vrindavan. His mahasamadhi (conscious departure) is commemorated annually by thousands of devotees.
Locals believe him to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman himself.
auto_awesome Known Miracles
- train Stopping a Train: A train refused to move after he was ejected for lacking a ticket — it resumed only when he reboarded.
- psychology Mind Reading: He often answered questions before they were asked and revealed details about visitors' lives.
- healing Healings: Numerous accounts of miraculous recoveries from severe illnesses after his blessing.
- location_on Bilocation: Many reported seeing Maharaj-ji in different locations simultaneously during times of crisis.
Core Teachings
Love Everyone
Unconditional love for all beings
Serve Everyone
Selfless service (Seva)
Remember God
Chant "Ram Ram" always
Live Simply
Humility & simplicity
"All religions are the same. They all lead to God. God is everybody."
— Neem Karoli Baba
Famous Devotees & Visitors
Maharaj-ji's teachings have influenced leaders, artists, and visionaries worldwide
Steve Jobs
Apple Co-founder
Visited in the 1970s during a challenging phase in his life, seeking spiritual guidance that reportedly influenced his later endeavors.
Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook Founder
Visited on Steve Jobs' advice. Extended his stay due to spiritual pull. Credited teachings with inspiring Facebook's mission to connect people.
Julia Roberts
Hollywood Actress
Was deeply influenced by Neem Karoli Baba's teachings and became a practicing Hindu.
Ram Dass
Spiritual Teacher & Author
Became Maharaj-ji's disciple in 1967. His book "Be Here Now" (1971) introduced millions to Eastern wisdom.
Virat Kohli
Indian Cricket Captain
Has visited the ashram with wife Anushka Sharma for blessings and spiritual reflection.
Many More
Tech Leaders & Artists
Larry Page (Google), Jeff Skoll (eBay), Larry Brilliant, Daniel Goleman, Krishna Das, and thousands more.
Ram Dass & "Be Here Now"
In 1967, American professor Richard Alpert met Neem Karoli Baba and experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Maharaj-ji gave him the name Ram Dass ("servant of God"). His 1971 book "Be Here Now" became a cornerstone of Western spirituality, introducing millions to Eastern wisdom and Maharaj-ji's teachings.
2M+ Copies Sold
Spiritual classic since 1971
Daily Activities & Rituals
Morning Aarti
7:15 AM daily
Devotional ceremony with fire
Evening Aarti
6:15 PM daily
Sunset ceremony & prayers
Bhajan & Kirtan
Throughout the day
Devotional songs & chanting
Langar (Free Meals)
Served to all visitors
Blessed prasad for devotees
Find Kainchi Dham
Nestled on the Nainital-Almora road, just 17 km from Nainital
Ashram Timings
Daily Schedule
- Opens:6:30 AM
- Morning Aarti:7:15 AM
- Evening Aarti:6:15 PM
- Closes:6:15 PM
* Closed during monsoon (July-Aug)
Annual Bhandara
June 15th Every Year
Grand festival commemorating ashram's founding. Free food (prasad) served to all. Lakhs of devotees attend.
From Our Retreat
Easy Access
Just 2 km (5 min drive) from Shiva's Golden Pines. We arrange transport for your darshan visit.
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Modest Dress
Wear simple, modest clothing. Remove shoes before entering temples.
Silence & Respect
Maintain silence in temple areas. Photography may be restricted in some zones.
No Alcohol/Meat
Ashram premises are strictly vegetarian. No smoking, alcohol, or non-veg food.
Seva (Service)
Devotees can participate in seva — helping in the kitchen, cleaning, or gardening.
Free Entry
No entry fee. Donations are accepted but not expected. Prasad is free for all.
All Are Welcome
People of all religions, nationalities, and backgrounds are welcome at the ashram.
How to Reach
By Air
Pantnagar Airport (70 km)
Connected to Delhi. Taxi to Kainchi: ~2.5 hours
By Train
Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km)
Last rail head. Taxi to Kainchi: ~1.5 hours
By Road
From Delhi: ~350 km (7-8 hours)
Via Moradabad-Haldwani-Bhowali
Stay Near the Sacred Ashram
Shiva's Golden Pines Retreat is just 2 km from Kainchi Dham — the perfect base for your spiritual pilgrimage. Experience the peace of the mountains and the blessings of Maharaj-ji.