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The visit to Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand brought a profound change in the life of Manoj Bajpayee. Amidst the long-running restlessness and questions arising about his career, he found such spiritual peace there, which not only stabilized his mind but also decided the direction of his new film Juganuma – The Fable. This realization he got during meditation in the cave of Neem Karauli Baba gave him the answer that to move ahead in life it is necessary to leave the inner confusions.
What happened to Manoj Bajpayee in Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand, changed the direction of his entire life. Manoj Bajpayee, famous for his brilliant works like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘The Family Man’, recently told that there came a time when he had even made up his mind to quit acting. Constant restlessness, turmoil of mind and deep confusion about work, all this had forced him to think that perhaps his journey in films was now over. For almost a year he stayed away from any big project and kept searching for answers to the questions going on within him.
During this period, director Ram Reddy advised him to visit Kainchi Dham of Neem Karauli Baba in Uttarakhand. Manoj Bajpayee tells that this journey completely changed his life. He reached this holy place situated between the two mountains and then made a long journey of about an hour to reach the mysterious cave of Baba located above there. Climbing the heights, amidst the peaceful forests, both of them were feeling an unknown spiritual pull. He meditated for some time in the cave and during that time he had an experience which even today he cannot express in words.
After coming down from the cave, both of them looked at each other and said the same thing – “We have found our film.” Manoj Bajpayee tells that in that moment he got answers to all his questions. This was the answer – to let go, to be free from bondages and expectations, and to embrace peace of mind. He says that sitting there he had a deep realization that only by leaving attachment can a person take his true flight. This idea became the soul of his new film Juganuma – The Fable.
How to reach Kainchi Dham?
If you want to go by flight then the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. Kainchi Dham is about 70–75 kilometers from the airport. You can easily reach the ashram by taxi or cab. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. The distance of Kainchi Dham from Kathgodam is about 38–40 kilometers. Taxis/sharing cabs are easily available from the station. Kainchi Dham is situated on Nainital-Almora highway. Direct Volvo/buses are available from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Lucknow to Nainital or Kathgodam. From there you can reach Kainchi Dham by taking a taxi in 45-60 minutes.
What to keep in mind before going to Kainchi Dham?
The temple is crowded, so it is better to reach at 7–10 in the morning. Lakhs of people come on the annual foundation day on 15th June. Traffic and parking are very difficult on this day. It is considered good to wear simple clothes in the temple premises. An appeal is made to maintain peace in the ashram. On special days, there is Prasad and Bhandara, which you should not miss.
What to do in Kainchi Dham?
Visit Baba’s Samadhi and temple.
You can meditate by sitting on the river bank.
Experience the energy and peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
Prasad, photos and books can be taken from the ashram shop.
You can see natural trails and beautiful views of the mountains.
About the author
Vividha Singh is a journalist at AyraNews24x7 Hindi (NEWS18). He has obtained Bachelor and Masters degree in Journalism from Delhi University. She has been working in the field of journalism for 3 years. Currently AyraNews24x7…read more
