Guru Purnima 2026: Honouring Neem Karoli Baba - The Saint Who Taught Us That Love Is God

Guru Purnima falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha a day set aside to bow at the feet of the Guru, the one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and lights the path to truth. This year, as we observe this sacred occasion, we turn our hearts toward one of the most beloved saints of modern India: Neem Karoli Baba, lovingly called Maharaj Ji.

His message was simple, radical, and eternal: "Sub ek hain" All is One. Love everyone. Serve everyone. Remember God.

Who Was Neem Karoli Baba?

Neem Karoli Baba was a 20th-century saint from Uttar Pradesh whose presence drew seekers from across India and the world. He made no grand claims, gave no elaborate discourses yet those who sat in his presence often described it as the most transformative experience of their lives.

He was the Guru of Ram Dass, the spiritual teacher who wrote Be Here Now. He inspired the founders of Apple and Facebook. But more than anything, he was the Guru of millions of ordinary devotees farmers, mothers, children who simply loved him.

His teachings rested on three pillars:

• Bhakti- pure, unconditional devotion
• Seva- selfless service to others
• Ram Nam- the constant remembrance of God through His name

He left his body in 1973, yet his devotees across the world feel his presence as vividly today as ever. Guru Purnima is the perfect day to reconnect with that presence.

How to Celebrate Guru Purnima at Home in His Honour

You don't need to travel to an ashram to feel Maharaj Ji's grace. A simple, heartfelt puja at your home temple is enough.

1. Set Up Your Sacred Space

Place a murti or image of Neem Karoli Baba at the centre of your altar. Our Neem Karoli Baba Hand-Painted Idol with Blanket captures his iconic resting pose with devotional detail a beautiful focal point for your Guru Purnima puja. If you prefer a silver finish, the Neem Karoli Baba Silver & Brass Finish Idol brings an elegant, serene energy to any home temple.

2. Offer Flowers, Fruits & Incense

Maharaj Ji loved simplicity. Offer whatever you have with a full heart marigolds, a banana, a stick of dhoop. It is the bhav (feeling) that matters, not the grandeur.

3. Chant Ram Nam

Sit quietly and chant "Ram Ram" or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" for 108 repetitions. You may use a mala. Let the name fill the room.

4. Read or Listen to His Stories

Read a passage from Miracle of Love by Ram Dass, or listen to a satsang about Maharaj Ji. His leelas (divine plays) are themselves a form of darshan.

5. Perform Seva

Maharaj Ji's greatest teaching was service. Feed someone, donate to a cause, or simply offer kindness to whoever crosses your path today.

Carry His Blessings With You

For devotees who wish to keep Maharaj Ji close throughout the day, our silver pendants are crafted with care and devotion. The Neem Karoli Baba Blanket Pose Silver Pendant and the Neem Karoli Baba Blessings Silver Pendant make meaningful Guru Purnima gifts for yourself or for a fellow devotee.

Wearing his image is a form of remembrance. And remembrance, Maharaj Ji always said, is the highest sadhana.

A Prayer for Guru Purnima

"O Maharaj Ji, on this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, we bow at your lotus feet. May your grace fill our hearts with love, our minds with clarity, and our lives with seva. Ram Ram."

Explore Our Neem Karoli Baba Collection

Browse our full Neem Karoli Baba collection handcrafted idols, silver pendants, and devotional pieces made to honour Maharaj Ji in your home and heart.