A Rare Conversation with Neem Karoli Baba’s Daughter
A Rare Conversation with Neem Karoli Baba’s Daughter: Memories from a Saint’s Family
By Nick Hodgson | January 2024
In late January 2024, an unexpected and heartwarming connection opened the door to a conversation that I will never forget. While chatting with a kind and humble young gentleman named Jai—who works at the Jaipur office of Astrogems.com—I noticed a Facebook post of his referencing Neem Karoli Baba. As a longtime admirer of Maharajji, I couldn’t resist sharing my love and respect for the great saint.
What came next surprised me: Jai, almost shyly, revealed that he is the nephew of Neem Karoli Baba’s daughter, and that she currently resides in Agra. It was clear this was a private connection that few people knew about—even his office colleagues were unaware. I felt honored when he offered to arrange an interview with his aunt, whom he lovingly calls Girija Ji. As she is not fluent in English, Jai kindly offered to translate our questions and responses in Hindi.
What unfolded was a rare and deeply moving glimpse into the life of Maharajji—not from the lens of a devotee or a spiritual scholar, but from the voice of a daughter who lived under his divine yet humble presence. With deep gratitude, I share the highlights of our conversation.
Early Life and Maharajji’s Disappearance
Nick: When your father left home for 10 years as a wandering mendicant, did the villagers consider him a saint?
Girija Ji: No, no one thought of him as a saint then. In our village of Akbarpur, people did seek his advice at a place called Dak Bagaliya. He was passionate about girls’ education and believed strongly in the empowerment of women. Being the son of a landlord, he helped the needy with both guidance and financial support.
Nick: At what age did Maharajji leave home to become a sadhu?
Girija Ji: He was married at 11, and left secretly at the age of 13 in November.
Nick: And when did he return?
Girija Ji: After 10 years—he was 23.
A Saint Returns to Family Life
Nick: What led him to return?
Girija Ji: My grandfather found him at Qila Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. Someone recognized Maharajji’s face and told Grandpa. Though Maharajji initially refused, he returned out of respect for his father's order. Back in the village, he managed the estate and farm as a landlord’s son.
Spiritual Glimpses at Home
Nick: Did you see him performing prayers or any spiritual practices as a child?
Girija Ji: He was just “father” to us, though we knew he was different. He taught through example—helping the hungry, loving everyone, doing small acts of service. If someone was very sick, he’d quietly give spiritual ash (vibhuti) and say Hanumanji would take care of them. They would often recover from serious illnesses.
He once gave me a small Krishna idol and told me to worship it. My brothers and I adored him. He never displayed miracles to us, yet his presence felt beyond words—beyond mind, intellect, and speech.
A Life of Service
He dug wells, planted gardens, and cared deeply for the poor. He always believed that if someone came asking for help, it was a sign of your destiny to help them. I truly believe he was an avatar, though he never claimed such things himself.
Stories from Her Mother, Rambeti Sharma
Girija Ji: My mother once cried on Hariyali Teej, as her friends teased her that she had no husband. Out of nowhere, Maharajji walked into the house that same day, responding to her loving, sincere call from far away. She told me it was the grace of God that brought him back.
Later, she witnessed a miracle: when she asked him if he had powers, he placed a mustard seed in his mouth, and two green mustard leaves emerged. We realized he had a higher purpose beyond our small village.
His Final Days
Girija Ji: Before his passing, he told my brother they were going to Kainchi Dham. En route, he changed plans and disembarked just before Mathura, saying only, “Don’t ask questions.” At the station, he met a devotee and soon felt unwell. He was taken to Krishna Paramahansa’s place, and with his final breath, he said “Jagdish Hare” and left his body.
Miracles and Presence After Departure
Nick: Did he return for your wedding?
Girija Ji: Yes, Maharajji did my kanyadaan (giving away the bride). Everyone saw him, but Siddhi Ma later said he never left Kainchi Dham that day. Many have experienced him in two places at once.
My mother often felt his presence when unwell—he would come to her without being called physically.
Childhood Memories and Education
Nick: How old were you when he left again?
Girija Ji: I was 13 and studying in Bhopal, as the village school didn’t meet the level of education he wanted for me.
Closing Words
Our conversation ended with Girija Ji warmly saying we could speak again another time. As she stepped away, I sat with awe—grateful for these intimate insights from a daughter’s heart. Her recollections are not just stories—they are living testaments of love, humility, and the mystery that surrounded Maharajji’s life.
Thanks to Jai, this dialogue was made possible. His quiet service reminds me that Maharajji’s grace continues to move through the most unexpected of messengers.
With deep reverence,
Nick Hodgson