Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites, which is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand. This spiritual centre is dedicated to Neeb Karori Baba, usually called as Neem Karoli Baba. Maharaj Ji is a great devotee of Lord Hanuman, which is why visitors can see the idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple. Being situated near the two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road, resembling a Kainchi (Scissors), the dham is known as "Kainchi Dham". Surrounded by the lush green mountains and set on the bank of the Kosi River, the Kainchi Dham Ashram offers a panoramic view. Its serene environment makes it an ideal place for spiritual reflection and devotion to Maharaj Ji.
 

His teachings are simple, as he often said, Sab Ek - All is one. Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God, and tell the truth.
 

Incarnation of Lord Hanuman

Neem Karoli Baba is said to have had divine power. Due to its deep faith in Lord Hanuman, many people regard him as an incarnation of Hanuman himself. After his passing, a temple was constructed at Kainchi Dham, and on June 15, 1976, the idol of Maharaj Ji was consecrated, which was fixed by the Maharaj Ji himself. Tuesday holds special significance in Neem Karoli Baba Dham, not because it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, but also because it is the same day when the Maharaj Ji idol was installed. On Tuesdays, a long queue of devotees can be seen inside and outside the temple.
 

Prominent Personalities

In his early days, Neeb Karori Baba was known as Lakshman Narayan Sharma. However, due to his deep spirituality and marvel, he became widely renowned as Maharaj Ji. In various parts of the country, he is famous by various other names. People from across the world regarded Maharaj Ji a lot. From the 1960s to the 1970s, a number of notable American personalities visited the dham, including Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, Meta (Facebook) Founder Mark Zuckerberg, Julia Roberts, and others.
 

Baba Ji lived a secluded life at Kainchi Dham, where an ashram was built in 1964. After spreading spirituality and guiding people with his sermons and teachings, Maharaj Ji left this world on September 10, 1973, in Vrindavan. In his fond memory, a samadhi temple was built in the Vrindavan. However, his urn was kept at Neem Karolo Baba Ashram in Nainital, where devotees offer their prayers and seek his blessings. It is said that the last words he murmured repeatedly, were 'Jaya Jagadish Hare.
 

Annual Fair

June 15 is the most significant day for Neem Karoli Baba Mandir in Nainital, as it was earmarked by the Maharaj ji for Dham's inauguration. Due to this, all important events, including the consecration ofthe  Maharaj Ji idol and other deities, were also performed on this date.
 

Every year on June 15, the inauguration day of Neem Karoli Baba Kainchi Dham is celebrated with great pomp and devotion, attracting millions of people from far and wide.
 

Neem Karoli Baba Mandir Timing

Neem Karoli Baba Mandir in Nainital remains open to visitors throughout the year. To seek Maharaj Ji's blessings, devotees must visit the temple during its visiting hours and also participate in the puja held daily. If we talk about Kainchi Dham Puja timings, then it is generally held between 7 am - 8 am and around 6 pm to 7 pm. As last updated, visitors can visit the shrine : -

Parking Fee

Paid parking is available near the site, which may vary to vehicle type :

Accommodation

To stay in the Kainchi Dham Ashram, visitors must seek a prior permission, which will be granted for a maximum period of three days. However, if permission is not granted, devotees can stay in the guest houses available near the Dham. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Nainital offers a range of accommodation options such as Homestays, Hotels, Resorts, and Guest Houses. Devotees can book their accommodation either near the temple or at Bhowali, which is around 8 km from the temple. The closest lodging are : -

• Amar Valley Resort.
• Guru Kripa Guest House.
• Kainchi Divine Retreat.
• Baba Benison Resort and restaurant.
• Ensober Kainchi Dham.
   

Important Tips for Travellers

• During peak vacation (March to June and December to January), devotees may face extreme congestion and heavy traffic.
• Avoid visiting on weekends and long weekends, especially in peak season.
• Paid parking is available near the site.
• Book accommodation in advance, to avoid any last minute rush.
• Reach the site early in the morning, to avoid unnecessary traffic.
• Free shoe stand is available outside the temple.
• Photography and videography are prohibited inside the temple.
• Boondi and Besan Ladoo are usually offered as prasad and are easily available outside the temple.
• Items sold outside the temple are often priced higher.
• Avoid wearing leather items or carrying leather purses inside the temple.
   

Nearby Attraction

You can also explore other notable nearby places, which are worth visiting: -

• Naini Lake.
• Naina Devi Temple.
• Bhimtal Lake.
• Naukuchiatal Lake.
• Lohakham Lake.
• Tiffin Top.
• Nainital Zoo.
• Mukteshwar.
• Sattal
• Bhowali.
• Pangot.
• Khurpatal Lake