Kainchi Dham Temple Nainital

Kainchi Dham Temple is a popular Hanuman temple and ashram located in the Kumaon hills near Nainital, in Uttarakhand, India. It sits at an altitude of 1400 metres above sea level on the Nainital–Almora road. The temple is surrounded by green mountains, dense forests, and the peaceful Shipra River. Kainchi Dham is a peaceful destination for people seeking spirituality and calm. Devotional songs, daily prayers, and community feasts make this temple a vibrant and welcoming place for all visitors.

The temple and ashram were established in the 1960s by the great saint Neem Karoli Baba, who is believed by many devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. Neem Karoli Baba attained Samadhi in 1973, and since then, the temple has become a major pilgrimage site. The ashram was originally created to allow saints like Monday Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba to perform yagnas (fire rituals). Kainchi Dham gained global fame when Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, visited the ashram in 1973 during a low point in his life. He meditated here and returned spiritually transformed. Years later, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, also visited Kainchi Dham after being inspired by Jobs’ story.

Kainchi Dham is considered a miraculous temple by devotees. One popular story says that during a feast, there was a shortage of ghee. Neem Karoli Baba asked the followers to fill a pot with river water and use it for cooking. When they did so, the water turned into ghee, which amazed everyone. Such stories have made this temple well known for its spiritual power. On June 15, the birth anniversary of Neem Karoli Baba, a large fair and gathering takes place at the ashram. Thousands of devotees attend this special event every year.

The temple’s architecture is simple but attractive. It is made of stone, clay, and wood, and has a pyramid-shaped structure. Inside, there is a small shrine of Neem Karoli Baba and idols of Lord Hanuman and other Hindu deities. Two large bells are hung in the temple and are rung during daily aarti and prayers. The entrance gate of the complex is marked by a stone archway with monkey statues, symbolizing Hanuman. A small white dome-shaped temple inside the complex blends traditional Indian temple style with modern touches, making the place both spiritual and visually appealing.

Devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and other prasad at the temple. Offerings are made to the deities as per each devotee’s belief and devotion.

By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 76 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi via NH 109 to reach the temple.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 45 km from Kainchi Dham. You can take a shared or private taxi from the station. Buses are also available.

By Road: Kainchi Dham is about 18 km from Nainital, located in the Bhawali area. The temple is well connected by road, and you can reach it easily by car, taxi, or bus from nearby towns and cities.