Is the Hinjewadi, Pune Neem Karoli Baba Dham Authentic?
A Devotee’s Personal Experience and Word of Caution
This article shares a personal experience and is written solely to create awareness among devotees seeking authentic spiritual guidance.
In recent times, a spiritual center operating under the name Neem Karoli Baba Dham in Hinjewadi, Pune—reportedly started by Mangesh Lad and Poonam Lad—has gained visibility, particularly on social media platforms. As a long-time devotee of Neem Karoli Baba, I felt it was important to share my personal observations after visiting the site located at opposite Megapolis Springs, Phase 3, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411057.
The Core Teachings of Neem Karoli Baba
Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings were always simple, direct, and rooted in selfless love. His message consistently emphasized:
- Love All
- Serve All
- Feed All
Baba encouraged humility, devotion, compassion, and seva. He did not advocate fear-based practices, transactional spirituality, or the idea that spiritual progress depends on financial contributions or complex rituals.
Long-standing devotees widely understand that Baba’s path was grounded in simplicity and inner transformation, not external pressure or material expectations.
My Visit to the Hinjewadi Neem Karoli Baba Dham
During my visit to the Hinjewadi Dham, I observed a strong focus on the following:
- Repeated requests for donations for temple development
- Financial contributions toward a proposed 108-feet murti
- Encouragement to organize Bhandara and Yagya as solutions for personal or life problems
While charity and seva are undeniably important aspects of spiritual life, I personally felt uncomfortable with the frequent financial appeals being closely linked to spiritual outcomes.
This approach did not align with my understanding of Baba’s original teachings or the spiritual simplicity he embodied.
Social Media Influence and the Need for Discernment
The Dham appears to be actively promoted through social media influencers and online platforms. In such situations, devotees should remain spiritually aware and discerning by:
- Verifying authenticity before making financial contributions
- Avoiding emotionally driven decisions based solely on online promotions
- Studying Neem Karoli Baba’s original teachings independently
- Visiting well-established and historically recognized ashrams for clarity
Spirituality should never feel pressured, commercialized, or transactional.
A Humble Appeal to Fellow Devotees
My sincere request to fellow devotees is simple:
- Keep unwavering faith in Baba
- Follow his core principles of love, service, and compassion
- Exercise discernment before donating or committing to any spiritual institution
- Trust your intuition if something feels uncomfortable or misaligned
True faith should bring clarity and strength, not confusion or doubt.
Ram Ram 🙏
— A Devotee of Neem Karoli Baba
