Kainchi Dham is a beautiful and peaceful ashram found in the Himalayan Foothills of Uttrakhand. This sacred pilgrimage site is located near Nainital enveloped in its natural beauty and spiritual holy significance. The ashram is dedicated to the revered Saint Neem Karoli Baba who was known for his love, wisdom and miracles.
The main temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba is at Kainchi Dham. It is located in between two hills that cut and cross each other to create the shape of scissors. That is the reason it is called Kainchi Dham.
The temple is decorated with colourful decorations and devotees visit here to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the ashram. Adjoining the Neem Karoli Baba Temple, there is a Hanuman Temple within the Kainchi Dham, where devotees visit to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. At the entrance of Kainchi Dham, a divine welcome of the Vaishnavi Temple enriches the spiritual landscape.
History of Kainchi Dham
In 1962, Baba Neem Karoli set up an ashram in a small village Kainchi at the foothills of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, where he preferred his sadhana and satsang. Born Lakshman Das in 1900 CE in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh was called, Neem Karoli Baba. He grew up leading an ascetic life and wandered around India as Sadhu. He became a celebrated saint, with numerous ashrams and devotees all over India.
On September 10, 1973, Neem Karoli Baba got Samadhi in Vrindavan Ashram. The main temple at the Kainchi Dham is made of marble and stone and houses the magnificent murti of Neem Karoli Baba. The murti can be contemplated upon or bhajans sung before it by its devotees. Today, Kainchi Dham has become very sacred, attracting devotees across the globe.
Kainchi Dham Ashram Timings and Aarti Details
Visiting devotees can pay homage to their deities, do meditation and participate in the daily activities of the ashram.
| Ashram Visiting Hours | Time |
|---|---|
| Summers (April to October) | 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM |
| Winters (November to March) | 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM |
| Ashram Schedule | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti Time | Begins at 07:00 AM |
| Evening Aarti Time | Begins at 06:45 PM |
| Tuesday Kirtan Time | 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM |
Where to Stay near Kainchi Dham
If you are planning to visit Kainchi Dham and looking for accommodation, below are some best options to stay near the Neem Karoli Baba Aashram at a budget price. You can also book your Stay in Nainital if you are planning to visit nearby.
- Nainital Kainchi Dham Homestay
- Nainital Hotel Vikrant
- Nainital Hotel Ankur Plaza Deluxe
- Nainital Maa Bhagwati Home Stay
How to Reach Kainchi Dham – Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
By Road
Buses and taxis are available from major cities in Uttarakhand. The ashram is around 20 kilometres from Nainital, and one can take a taxi or a shared vehicle from Nainital to reach Kainchi Dham.
By Rail
The nearest major Railway Station is Kathgodam Railway Station, located 38 KM from Kainchi Dham. From Kathgodam, one can hire a taxi, jeep or take a local bus to reach the Ashram.
By Air
The nearest Airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport. The airport is situated around 70 KM from the Aashram. One can hire a Taxi or use local transportation to reach Kainchi Dham Ashram.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham, Nainital
The Kainchi Dham is open year-round, however, the best time to visit Kainchi Dham Temple is from February until June. Kainchi Dham hosts numerous religious events and festivals throughout the year the most significant being the Neem Karoli Baba’s Bhandara held on the 15th of June. During this event, thousands of devotees gather to pay homage and participate in the distribution of prasad.
Global Spiritual Significance of Kainchi Dham
Neem Karoli Baba’s followers believed that he had special powers and ability to help people. His teaching of love and simplicity attracts visitors. Western devotees also visited here including Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who visited here to find inspiration and clarity from the place.
Also Read: How to Reach Kainchi Dham – Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
FAQs
March – June is a great time to visit when the weather is perfect for spiritual retreats.
The ashram serves simple vegetarian meals in a communal dining area.
Camera use is prohibited within the temple.
Fruits, Himalayan Artefacts, and Local herbs are some of the famous things to shop for.
The Kathgodam is the nearest Railway Station to Kainchi Dham Ashram.
Yes, you can explore Neem Karoli Baba Ashram as well as the sightseeing in Kainchi Dham.
