Neem Karoli Baba Birth and Death Date: Biography, Early Life, Teachings, Family and Spiritual Journey (2026)

Neem Karoli Baba was one of the most revered Hindu saints in contemporary India. Referred to endearingly as Maharaj-ji, he gained popularity through his modest way of living, devotion to Lord Hanuman, and guidance on love, selfless service, and devotion to God. In spite of leading a secluded life in terms of fame, his spiritual significance touched the lives of many individuals not only in India but also in other parts of the world.

The question that seems to be of interest to people is the birth and death dates of Neem Karoli Baba. Neem Karoli Baba was born in 1900 in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India; however, the exact date of his birth is unknown. Neem Karoli Baba died on September 11, 1973, in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

Who Is Neem Karoli Baba?

Neem Karoli Baba was an Indian saint who was a teacher of Indian spiritualism and Hinduism. Neem Karoli Baba was very devoted to Lord Hanuman and preached people to follow the principles of love, gentleness, humbleness, and seva, which is a form of selfless service.

Unlike other saints, he did not teach people complicated practices and was not concerned about public glorification. He believed that it was important to serve other people and be kind to people and also to think of God. Devotees of Neem Karoli Baba remember him because of his compassion and humbleness and because of his power of acceptance.

Maharaj-ji got special fame due to the association of several westerners spiritual seekers like Ram Dass.

Neem Karoli Baba Biography Overview

Neem Karoli Baba Age

Neem Karoli Baba was born in about 1900 in Akbarpur, a village in the current day state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is said that his name when born was Lakshman Narayan Sharma. However, there are no clear records as to the exact date and month he was born.

Not like many contemporary spiritual leaders, Neem Karoli Baba did not keep clear records on his private information. Many stories of his childhood are documented by his followers but there are some facts that are yet to be known about his personal life.

The place of birth is marked by a typical family setup in India that involves religious matters. It will later lead him to venture out of his native place meeting different people.

Neem Karoli Baba Death Date and Place

Neem Karoli Baba died on 11 September 1973 in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. The demise of Neem Karoli Baba was an end to his physical existence, while his spiritual legacy lived on through his disciples, teachings, ashrams, and practices.

The events of his last days are said to have been filled with health issues which eventually led to his hospitalisation in Vrindavan. It is reported that he was unwell and was dealing with severe health issues, including those related to diabetes. He ultimately left his physical existence on 11 September 1973.

This day is commemorated by prayers and other devotional practices by his disciples. His samadhi in Vrindavan is also a site for those paying respect.

How Old Was Neem Karoli Baba When He Died?

According to Neem Karoli Baba’s birth date which is generally believed to be around 1900, the man died at about 73 years of age in 1973.

It is impossible to confirm Neem Karoli Baba’s actual age since the exact date of his birth is unknown. Thus, his age can only be considered approximate and not factual.

Early Life of Neem Karoli Baba

Neem Karoli Baba belonged to a Hindu family from Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh. It is widely reported that his childhood name was Lakshman Narayan Sharma. According to traditional reports, Neem Karoli Baba was a reflective child with an inclination towards spiritual and religious activities.

The period of his childhood was associated with the traditions and practices of rural India. Similarly to other children of that time, he lived in a society with certain family and religious values.

There are stories and legends concerning Neem Karoli Baba’s childhood and youth. Nevertheless, due to the lack of factual evidence, all the stories cannot be proved by independent research. One thing is known for sure – later he gained recognition due to the devotion to spirituality and service.

Family Background of Neem Karoli Baba

Neem Karoli Baba belonged to a traditional Hindu family. The father of Neem Karoli Baba was Durga Prasad Sharma, whereas there is less information regarding his mother.

Though he became to be recognized as a saint in time, traditional stories tell us that he had family obligations even before he embraced his spirituality. His family life was never a matter of public concern.

Marriage and Personal Life

The popular versions of Neem Karoli Baba’s life history suggest that he got married when he was very young, around the age of 11. The names of his wife are usually mentioned as Ram Beti Sharma. Besides, some traditions mention that he had two sons and a daughter.

This period of his life plays a significant role in the popular stories about his life. As per the tradition, Neem Karoli Baba left his house and went on his spiritual quest, but he returned when his father asked him to take care of his family responsibilities.

It means that he lived some time in such a way, trying to reconcile family life and his spiritual aspirations. Later, Neem Karoli Baba became famous as a wandering holy man. Despite the lack of information regarding many aspects of his private life, his biography is often considered as an example of a spiritual quest.

Spiritual Journey of Neem Karoli Baba

The spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba is described in terms of travels, devotion, and service. He traveled to various places in Northern India and became popular among his devotees as a saint who did not pursue wealth, fame, or public glory.

His special devotion was to Lord Hanuman. The temples and ashrams linked to him demonstrate this devotion of his. It is believed that Neem Karoli Baba inspired people to have faith in God, practice compassion and serve others without any expectations.

His spiritual practice was rather simple. He did not demand from everybody to practice one particular religious way of life. He asked people to simply remember God, show kindness to others, and stay humble in their daily lives.

Why Is Neem Karoli Baba Called Maharaj-ji?

Neem Karoli Baba was also addressed lovingly as Maharaj-ji by his devotees. “Maharaj-ji” was a form of address that could be used for a spiritually respected individual.

The reason why his devotees addressed him as such was because they felt that he was their teacher, guide, and compassionate saint. Through the years, Maharaj-ji became one of the most recognizable names that Neem Karoli Baba had. Till today, his devotees prefer to address him as Maharaj-ji without including his name.

Neem Karoli Baba and Lord Hanuman

The spiritual life of Neem Karoli Baba was also marked by his devotion to Lord Hanuman. In his practice, he motivated individuals to cultivate faith, fearlessness, humility, and selfless seva through Hanuman devotion.

There are many temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman built by him. People come to these temples and pray, recite Hanuman Chalisa, and perform other forms of devotion here.

Also, his devotion to Lord Hanuman helped to shape the spiritual identity of Kainchi Dham Ashram. Many devotees who wanted to imbibe lessons of Maharaj-ji came to this ashram to perform devotion.

Kainchi Dham: The Famous Ashram of Neem Karoli Baba

Kainchi Dham is one of the popular holy places related to Neem Karoli Baba. This place is situated near Bhowali in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand and it is surrounded by hills and greenery.

The ashram became a prominent destination for his devotees. The place is especially known for its Hanuman Temple and serene environment. People come to this place to pray, take part in various religious events and pay homage to Maharaj-ji.

The temple complex was built in the 1960s and the construction of the primary Hanuman Temple took place on 15 June 1964. With time, many devotees from all over India and even foreigners have started coming to Kainchi Dham.

For several devotees, going to Kainchi Dham means getting connected to the spiritual tradition of Neem Karoli Baba.

Other Important Ashrams Associated with Neem Karoli Baba

The spiritual legacy of Neem Karoli Baba is linked to several ashrams and temples in India. These are still serving the followers with prayers and meditations.

These places help preserve his spiritual legacy and provide devotees with opportunities for worship and remembrance.

Neem Karoli Baba’s Teachings

The lessons taught by Neem Karoli Baba were those of love, seva (service), bhakti (devotion), and remembrance of God. According to him, spirituality should be expressed through actions and not confined to spiritual conversations.

The most popularly used expression of his philosophy is:

“Love Everyone, Serve Everyone, Remember God.”

This message reflects the central ideas of his spiritual philosophy.

Love Everyone

Maharaj-ji advocated that one must deal with everyone in an affectionate manner. He preached that one should not judge someone based on their social status, wealth, religion, etc.

Serve Everyone

Selfless service played an essential role in his teachings. Feeding the hungry, helping the needy, and respecting others were acts that showed dedication.

Remember God

He asked his followers to continue having faith and remembering God in their lives. For him, the awareness of the divine spirit did not have any geographical limitations.

Practise Humility

Neem Karoli Baba led a simple life and discouraged individuals from taking pride in their spiritual wisdom. His devotees recall that he taught them humility and compassion.

Neem Karoli Baba and Western Followers

It is important to mention that Neem Karoli Baba acquired worldwide recognition, in part, due to his connection with spiritual seekers from the West who visited India in the 1960s and 1970s.

One of the most famous Western followers of Maharaj-ji is Ram Dass who was previously called Richard Alpert. Ram Dass’s experiences in the spiritual circle of Maharaj-ji were instrumental in his spiritual development and his later works.

Other followers of Neem Karoli Baba who contributed to the spread of his teachings include Larry Brilliant, Bhagavan Das, Krishna Das, as well as several other devotees.

The work by Ram Dass titled Be Here Now had a tremendous impact on the awareness about the spiritual traditions of India among the audience in the West.

Why Is Neem Karoli Baba Famous?

His fame can be attributed to his love and dedication to Lord Hanuman, his simplicity and his preachings about love and service without seeking anything in return. He gained popularity because of the experiences of his devotees, who took him as a loving spiritual guru.

What really made him popular was the simplicity in his preachings. He did not bother giving complex explanations but rather told people that they should serve others, stay humble and keep God in mind.

Kainchi Dham connection as well as his influence on western spiritual followers added to his popularity. Decades later, even now many people pay homage at places where Neem Karoli Baba had spent his time and follow his teachings.

Neem Karoli Baba’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

There is no official record about the net worth of Neem Karoli Baba. Baba had a simple way of living and he never built any image of himself based on money and material possessions.

He led a life which revolved around spirituality and devotion. The ashrams of Baba were places where religious services and meetings took place, not places that depicted his luxurious living style.

Thus, it would not be accurate to give an estimation of his net worth. His legacy is carried forward through the work of his devotees and institutions.

Neem Karoli Baba’s Death Anniversary

The day of Neem Karoli Baba’s death is commemorated on the 11th of September each year. His followers pay tribute to him by praying, singing bhajans, worshipping Hanuman, and going to ashrams dedicated to him.

In 2026, the 53rd death anniversary of Neem Karoli Baba will be observed on 11th of September. The event gives his followers a chance to remember his teachings and message of love, devotion, and service.

Neem Karoli Baba Birth and Death Date: Important Details

Neem Karoli Baba Net Worth

The exact net worth of Neem Karoli Baba is not known as there are no verifiable financial records that provide details regarding the amount of wealth that he owned or earned. Being a spiritual master, Neem Karoli Baba did not seek to make anyone believe that he was rich or make any effort to earn money unlike other spiritual masters.

Baba Maharaj-ji led a very simple life and was a man with humble appearance and few personal belongings. The ashrams and temples connected to him were meant for worship and community service. They do not reflect his personal wealth.

Neem Karoli Baba Net Worth and Financial Details

Neem Karoli Baba Social Media

Neem Karoli Baba died on 11 September 1973, much earlier than when social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube became famous. Hence, he never had any personal or official social media account while he was alive.

In today’s world, his teachings, photos, devotional stories, and spiritual messages are circulated through social media. There are several fan pages, devotional groups, and spiritual organizations that upload posts regarding Maharaj-ji and his teachings.

Some Lesser-Known Facts About Neem Karoli Baba

• His birth date is uncertain: Neem Karoli Baba is generally believed to have been born around 1900, but his exact birth date is not firmly established.
• His birth name was Lakshman Narayan Sharma: He later became widely known as Neem Karoli Baba and Maharaj-ji.
• He was deeply devoted to Lord Hanuman: Hanuman devotion was central to his spiritual life and the religious activities associated with his ashrams.
• Kainchi Dham became his best-known ashram: The spiritual centre in Uttarakhand continues to attract devotees from India and other countries.
• He encouraged selfless service: His teachings placed great importance on helping people without expecting rewards.
• Ram Dass was one of his well-known Western devotees: His experiences with Maharaj-ji influenced his spiritual work and writing.
• His teachings were simple: He encouraged people to love others, serve those in need, and remember God.
• His death anniversary is observed on 11 September: Devotees remember him on this date through prayer and spiritual gatherings.

Conclusion

Neem Karoli Baba is a well-known Indian saint whose life and spiritual teachings serve as a source of inspiration for spiritual aspirants worldwide. Neem Karoli Baba was born in around 1900 in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh; however, the exact year of birth is unknown. He died on 11 September 1973 in Vrindavan, at the age of approximately 73 years.

He is known as Maharaj-ji, who dedicated his life to Lord Hanuman and advised people to tread the path of love, humility, devotion, and seva (selfless service). Places like Kainchi Dham and others linked with him are preserving his spiritual heritage. The most popular saying of his life, “Love Everyone, Serve Everyone, Remember God,” expresses the essence of his teachings.

Faqs

Also,Read About: Surbhi Chandna Husband Karan Sharma: Biography, Age, Love Story, Marriage & Personal Life (2026)