Nīm Karolī Bābā

Nīm Karolī Bābā was a Hanuman devotee and mystic who lived in Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand. He became widely known in the West through his connection to Ram Dass and other American seekers.

Life/History

Born as Lakshmi Narayan Sharma in a village in Uttar Pradesh, he spent decades wandering before settling near Nainital. He established the Kainchi Dham ashram and attracted a growing number of Indian and Western disciples. His life was marked by simple devotion, spontaneous compassion, and apparent supernatural abilities.

Teachings/Contributions

Nīm Karolī Bābā’s teachings centered on the devotion to Hanuman, Rama, and the divine mother. He emphasized simple practices like chanting God’s names and selfless service. He often said, “Sub ek hai” (all is one), expressing the fundamental unity of all existence.

Legacy

Through his Western students—most notably Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), who wrote Be Here Now—Nīm Karolī Bābā became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Indian spirituality in the West. The Kainchi Dham ashram continues to attract large numbers of devotees annually.

Verification notes

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• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).