HOW MAHARAJJI (BABA ) CAME TO BE KNOWN AS NEEM KAROLI BABA

(Villagers of Neeb Karori called Maharaj Ji as Baba Lakshman Das)

" This is how Maharaj Ji(BABA) became known as Neem Karoli Baba,which means the sadhu from Neem Karoli (or Neeb Karori).This was many years ago, perhaps when Maharaj Ji was in his late twenties or early thirties.

For several days,no one had given him any food. And hunger possibly drove him to board a train for the nearest city.When the conductor discovered Maharaj Ji seated in the first-class coach without a ticket,he pulled the emergency brake and the train ground to a halt.After some verbal debate, Maharaj Ji was unceremoniously put off the train.The train had stopped near the village of Neeb Karori where Maharaj Ji had been living.

Maharaj Ji sat down under the shade of a tree while the conductor blew his whistle and the engineer opened the throttle.But the train didn't move.For quite some time the train stood there motoionless ,while every attempt was made to make it  move.

Another engine was called in to push it - but all efforts failed.

A local Magistrate with one arm who knew  Maharaj Ji suggested to the officials that they coax the young Sadhu to board the train.

Initially the officials were appalled by such superstition,but after many frustrating attempts to move the train,they decided to give it a try.

Many passengers and railway officials now approached       Maharaj Ji - carrying with them food and sweets as offerings. They requested that he boards the train.

He agreed on two conditions:-

1.  The railway officials must promise to have a station built for the village of Neeb Karori ( at the time,the villagers had to walk many miles to the nearest station).

2.  The railway must henceforth treat Sadhus better.

The officials promised to do whatever was in their power, and Maharaj Ji finally re boarded the train.

Then they asked Maharaj Ji to start the train.

He got very angry and said," What ? Is it up to me to start the trains ? ".

The engineer started the train,the train traveled a few yards,and then suddenly the engineer stopped it and     said," Unless the Sadhu orders me,I will not go forward".

Maharaj Ji said," Let him go",

And they proceeded.

Maharaj Ji said that the officials kept their word,and soon afterwards a train station was built at Neeb Karori and sadhus received more respect."

I have just returned from Kainchi Dham. As a toddler I remember my asking the       Maharaj Ji ," Will I get a First Class in High School?"