Why are celebrities drawn to spiritual places like Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram?

Many modern celebrities, both Indian and international, are drawn to spiritual places like Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand for several reasons. These places offer silence, detachment, and grounded wisdom — an antidote to the overstimulation and constant judgment in public life.
Many modern celebrities, both Indian and international, are drawn to spiritual places like Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand for several reasons. These places offer silence, detachment, and grounded wisdom — an antidote to the overstimulation and constant judgment in public life. For those living under a constant spotlight, the spiritual retreat becomes a way to detox emotionally and recalibrate purpose. Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram, for instance, became famous for guiding seekers like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg — showing this isn’t limited to Indian traditions alone.
1. Inner Peace Amidst Outer Chaos
Celebrities often live under constant public scrutiny, relentless schedules, and high expectations. Spiritual places like Kainchi Dham offer a retreat into silence, simplicity, and inner grounding — a sharp contrast to their high-pressure lives.
2. Non-judgmental, Sacred Space
Ashrams like Neem Karoli Baba’s don’t operate on fame or hierarchy. Everyone sits, prays, and eats together. This humility and anonymity can be deeply healing for public figures who are used to being constantly watched or evaluated.
3. Life Guidance from a Higher Consciousness
Neem Karoli Baba is revered as a jivanmukta — a liberated being — whose teachings continue to inspire seekers decades after his physical departure. Celebrities often visit seeking answers to personal or professional crossroads, healing from loss, or simply a connection to something eternal.
4. Word-of-Mouth Influence Among Celebrities
Once a few well-known personalities experienced transformation or solace at Kainchi Dham, others followed. It’s a ripple effect of faith, curiosity, and inspiration.
Well-Known Celebrities Who Have Visited Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram:
Steve Jobs (Apple Co-founder)
- Visited in the 1970s after dropping out of college.
- Said to have deeply contemplated life and purpose here.
- He even recommended the experience to Mark Zuckerberg.
Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook/Meta CEO)
- Visited the ashram during a challenging phase at Facebook on Jobs’ suggestion.
- Credits the visit with helping him reconnect with Facebook’s mission.
Julia Roberts (Actress)
- Publicly spoke about being inspired by Hindu philosophy.
- Though she didn’t confirm a visit to Kainchi Dham specifically, her spiritual inclination aligns with similar traditions.
Trevor Hall (Musician)
- Has spoken openly about the impact of Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings on his life and music.
Anushka Sharma & Virat Kohli
- Visited Kainchi Dham in recent years.
- The couple’s growing spiritual inclination includes visits to several temples and ashrams, with Neem Karoli Baba’s being among them.
Devendra Banhart (Musician)
- Known to be influenced by Indian spirituality, with references to Neem Karoli Baba in his work.
Spiritual places like Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram offer something modern life cannot: stillness, simplicity, and a direct connection to the divine without intermediaries or distractions. For celebrities navigating the heights of fame and the pressures of public life, such sacred spaces can be a much-needed reminder of who they are beyond the spotlight.