Offbeat News : The film Hanuman Ansh, based on the life of Neem Karoli Baba, is attracting audience attention in cinemas. The film initially received a limited number of screens, but growing interest among viewers during its second and third weeks led to an increase in screenings at several locations.
Followers of Neem Karoli Baba are linking the film’s growing popularity with the enduring faith surrounding his life and the stories associated with him.
Neem Karoli Baba’s real name is believed to have been Lakshminarayan Sharma. He was born in Akbarpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district and is said to have developed an inclination towards spiritual life from an early age.
After the death of his mother, the feeling of detachment within him reportedly became stronger.
The Famous Train Incident Associated With Neem Karoli Baba
Several incidents associated with Neem Karoli Baba’s life continue to be remembered with deep faith by his followers. One of the most widely known accounts is linked to an incident involving a train near Farrukhabad.
According to the belief associated with the incident, a sadhu travelling without a ticket was asked to get off the train near Neem Karoli village. After this, the train reportedly failed to move despite repeated efforts by railway employees.
It is believed that the sadhu was later requested to board the train again, following which the train started moving. According to the account, this incident led to him becoming known as Neem Karoli Baba.
The episode is also mentioned in American author Ram Dass’s book Miracle of Love.
Kainchi Dham and Hanuman Temples
Neem Karoli Baba established several Hanuman temples during his lifetime. Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand is among his most well-known ashrams and has become a major spiritual centre for devotees from India and abroad.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg have also been associated with stories about being influenced by Kainchi Dham.
Stories of Faith and Baba’s Teachings
Another well-known account associated with Kainchi Dham concerns an annual community feast. According to devotees, there was once a shortage of ghee during the event, following which Baba asked for water to be brought from the Shipra River.
Devotees believe that puris were prepared using that water. Such accounts are regarded by followers as spiritual miracles, although scientific evidence supporting these events is not available.
Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings placed special emphasis on love, service, devotion and giving up ego. His message focused strongly on feeding those in need and serving others.
The traditions of service and community meals continue at Kainchi Dham even today.
