Sanatani Directory · Ashram
कैंची धाम
Kainchi Dham
Parichay · Introduction
In one line
Neem Karoli Baba's ashram in the Kumaon hills — an unlikely global destination after Western devotees brought it to the world's attention.
Itihaas · History
How this place came to be
Kainchi Dham was established in 1964 by Neem Karoli Baba — "Maharaj-ji" to his devotees — in the Kumaon hills, where the road takes two scissoring hairpin bends that give the place its name (kainchi means "scissors"). Maharaj-ji rarely spoke and never wrote, but his presence and the few words he did say became transformative for those around him. He took mahasamadhi in 1973.
The ashram became internationally known after Ram Dass (born Richard Alpert) published Be Here Now in 1971, introducing Western readers to Maharaj-ji. A generation of seekers found their way to Kainchi — Larry Brilliant (who went on to lead the WHO smallpox eradication programme), Daniel Goleman, and later, more publicly, Steve Jobs (who travelled to India in 1974 in search of Maharaj-ji, arriving just months after Baba's mahasamadhi) and Mark Zuckerberg (whose visit was suggested by Jobs). The ashram itself remains a quiet hilltop temple to Hanuman, Sita-Ram and Maharaj-ji, with no formal teaching, course, or programme on offer. Devotees come for darshan, eat the famed prasad (boondi and malpua), and leave.
Karya · Day-to-day
What happens here
- ·Darshan at the Hanuman temple, Sita-Ram temple, and Maharaj-ji's seat
- ·Free prasad (boondi and malpua) served to all visitors
- ·Daily Hanuman Chalisa recitations
- ·No formal teaching, course, or programme — visitors come for darshan
Aavas · Stay
If you want to visit
No residential stay at the ashram itself — the ashram is open only during the day (typically 6 AM – 6 PM). Visitors stay at hotels in nearby Bhowali or Nainital. The ashram is reachable by road; many devotees also walk in.
Utsav · Calendar
What to come for
Vishesh · Notable
Worth knowing
- Made internationally known after Ram Dass published Be Here Now in 1971
- Steve Jobs travelled to India in 1974 hoping to meet Maharaj-ji; he arrived months after Baba's mahasamadhi
- Larry Brilliant, who later led the WHO smallpox eradication programme, was a long-time devotee
- Famously serves free boondi and malpua prasad to every visitor