Taos, New Mexico, is home to the Hanuman Temple and Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. Founded by a few of the American devotees of Neem Karoli Baba after his mahasamadhi (leaving the body) in 1973, this temple and ashram combo serves to continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and to provide a place for his devotees to gather. The groundwork for the project was laid in 1977 when one of the senior devotees suggested a murti (holy statue) of Hanuman be carved in India and brought to America for installation in a temple. Since then the project has grown almost organically to its present location and size.

The devotees at the Hanuman Temple follow the teachings of their Guru, which are simple and straight forward. A quote of his is “love everyone, serve everyone, remember God, and tell the truth.” The practices are personalized with the understanding that no two people have the same relationship with God. General practices include singing devotional chants (kirtan), group worship and meditation (satsang), and holiday feasts (bhandara).

The Grounds

Located on property that was at one time a farm, the grounds of Neem Karoli Baba Ashram are lovingly and beautifully maintained by the ashram inhabitants. All guests are invited to stroll around the grounds and enjoy the serene atmosphere that is all-pervasive and calming.

For guests who are devotees of Neem Karoli Baba or who have traveled a great distance to be at the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram there is a place known as a dharmasala, a housing unit for ashram guests. Accommodations are limited and require long advanced notice for reservations. During the summer they offer camping behind the ashram which is open to anyone. They advise visitors to bring a tent and a warm sleeping bag. Other accommodations, such as hotels, are available in the Taos area.

All costs for the ashram are covered by donations and through sales in their on-location and on-line store.

The store is a wonder unto itself. What started as a means for the devotees to get their hard to find devotional items has turned into a regular cottage industry for the ashram. The items in the store range from incense and prayer beads (mala) to books and recordings about Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba. This is truly one-stop-shopping for all of your spiritual needs, be it prayer flags or clothing. They even carry stained glass.

Daily Activities & Special Events

The daily activities are simple. Once in the morning they hold an arati, a ceremony in which the light from a small ghee lamp is offered to the deities and to the Guru. In the evening is a second arati. The rest of the day is open. During that time devotees and guests participate in a variety of spiritual activities. Much time is spent performing seva, or spiritual service for the benefit of others. Time is also spent in prayer or meditation. Devotees of Neem Karoli Baba delight in talking with each other about their Guru and sharing stories about Him with the ashram guests and there is always the occasional impromptu kirtan to enjoy!

There are a couple of extras through the week. On Tuesday the evening arati is followed by chanting and the distribution of prasad (food that has been offered to Deity or Guru). On Sunday mornings at 11am they hold a special program during which is preformed Hanuman Chalisas, a chant consisting of 40 verses about and in praise of Hanuman, the monkey hero of Hindu lore and the main deity of the Hanuman Temple. Following the Hanuman Chalisa is a Prasad sharing.

Throughout the year they offer a variety of special festivals. These include the celebrating of deities’ birthdays and the mahasamadhi days of Gurus. There are festivals celebrating the Supreme God and festivals dedicated to Goddess. There is a day devoted to the celebration of Guru, both their own and all Gurus in general.

Location

Situated just off of Valverde Street in Taos, New Mexico, The Hanuman Temple and Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is very easy to find. Close to downtown shopping and other amenities this ashram is perfect for those who don’t want to be to cut off from modern civilization, but still want to have a valid ashram experience.

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
Hanuman Temple
416 Geronimo Lane
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Kitchen: 505-758-3025
Office: 505-751-4080