Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) is recalled as one of the most sacred Saints of contemporary Hindu spirituality. His teachings which were full of simplicity and compassion keep on giving guidance to devotees all over the world. At the core of his life was his un-wavering and intense devotion to Hanuman Ji the personification of bravery, fidelity and power. The relationship between Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) and Hanuman Ji became folklore, as Hanuman Ji was motivated to learn what is meant by unconditional love and service of God.
Maharaj Ji had not just a symbolic devotion to Hanuman Ji, but it was his existence. The spirit of the qualities of Hanuman was in every act, teaching, and moment of his life. Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) was known and honored by his humility and unconditional compassion as a living embodiment of the qualities that Hanuman exemplified in his own life: power applied to service, knowledge to devotion, and power to humility. This correspondence provided a lasting connection that has been worshiped by the faithful to date in temples that are in dedication to Hanuman Ji.
Maharaj Ji was immensely attracted to spirituality since a tender age. His abdication of material existence and utter submission to the Divine Will were to become inspirational models to millions of seekers. His unceasing obedience to Hanuman Ji took him to be a spiritual light house because it demonstrated that serving God was not about forms and ceremonies but about giving oneself in the service of God. This relation is the object of celebration at Hanuman Mandir Adelaide, where Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) is regarded by the devotees as the living manifestation of the qualities of Hanuman Ji.
Recollections of his proximity to Hanuman Ji abound in the tales about the life of Maharaj Ji. Most followers testify of miraculous experiences as his blessings were directly related to the power and the security of Hanuman. One could notice him meditating on Hanuman Chalisa or leading others to sing it when he felt that they needed it. Repeating this holy mantra is still a significant ritual among the followers because it possesses the boldness and vigor which Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) had in his lifetime.
Hanuman Ji has always been regarded as the god of service, loyalty and courage. His undying commitment to Lord Rama in the Ramayana established the parameter of devotion. This was the role model of Maharaj Ji and he lived his life on the principle of this example as he lived with total submission to God, and served others without thinking about oneself. To him, Hanuman Ji was not merely a god to be worshiped, he also was a living example, a model to show him that strength must always be employed to protect, help and love. This realization was what the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) came to be.
The kind of adoration Maharaj Ji gave to Hanuman Ji waves all over India and even farther. His ashrams and teachings attracted spiritual seekers worldwide in the 20 th century. Most of them, who do not know much about Hindu traditions, learned the strength of Hanuman Ji with the help of wisdom of Maharaj Ji. He frequently instructed his followers to pray to Hanuman, to sing his name, and to adopt the humility and service values. The influence remains in the world today with Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) being revered in Adelaide and other parts of the world in temples that glorify their immortal relationship.
In Hanuman Mandir Adelaide, the relationship between the Maharaj Ji and the Hanuman Ji is maintained in terms of rituals, prayers and meetings. Devotees gather to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, to recount tales about Maharaj Ji, as well as to feel the power and calmness that develops through devotion. The temple serves as the transition between the traditional and the modern life reminding the community that the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) and the worship of Hanuman Ji are eternal. The bond of the saint with the deity is fortified by every prayer made, which leads the faithful to faith and bravery.
The value of love without conditions was one of the most repeated teachings given by Maharaj Ji. To him Hanuman Ji was the ideal of this principle. The devotion of Hanuman to Rama was simple, unselfish and immortal. Similarly, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) inspired people to serve human beings without any anticipation. To him, the best kind of worship was to feed the hungry, assist the poor and to serve others in need of service. This message is echoed in Adelaide where believers worship Maharaj Ji not only through prayer, but also through service to his association with Hanuman Ji.
Miracles related to Maharaj Ji tended to depict the protective side of Hanuman Ji. Devotees felt that his blessings had the same kind of strength and direction as that of Hanuman himself. His presence was experienced as a continuation of the grace of Hanuman in healing the sick and also in giving clarity in times of confusion. Followers still feel this protection even after he has physically left, and they believe that Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) and Hanuman Ji are one in spirit.
Another aspect of Maharaj Ji that makes his relationship with Hanuman Ji to be special is the fact that the message he preached is universal. Hanuman Ji is perceived to be a cross-boundary god and nothing stands in the way of his devotion and love. Likewise, Maharaj Ji was a teacher whose teachings were known to the people of different religions, cultures, and nationalities. He simplified spirituality; he centered on values of devotion, compassion and service. Such simplicity is what makes Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) so popular especially among the devotees who believe that he is the living specimen of the grace of Hanuman.
The Hanuman Ji and the Maharaj Ji worship in Adelaide form a special spiritual feeling. The temple turns out to be a place whereby the power of the strength of Hanuman combines with the love and wisdom of Maharaj Ji. Devotees experience not only the power of divine protection but also the warmth of unconditional compassion. This dual spirit gives them the impetus to challenge difficulties with grace without arrogance and with humility and piousness in their hearts. The religious unity between Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj Ji) and Hanuman Ji serves to steer each congregation, prayer and festivity.
