Within the devotional world around Neem Karoli Baba, Hanuman stands as the central axis of meaning and practice. Hanuman was regarded as his chosen deity and the primary focus of his worship, the living symbol of devotion, strength, and selfless service. Neem Karoli Baba constantly invoked Hanuman’s name, encouraged the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, and directed disciples to keep Hanuman’s image and qualities at the heart of their spiritual lives. In this way, Hanuman functioned not merely as a revered deity, but as the guiding archetype through which Neem Karoli Baba articulated the path of bhakti.

This relationship was not only external devotion but also a profound inner identification. Many devotees felt that Neem Karoli Baba embodied Hanuman’s attributes—seva, surrender, loving devotion to Rama, and a mysterious capacity to protect and bless. On this basis, some came to regard him as an incarnation or direct manifestation of Hanuman, seeing his life as a human mirror of the epic figure’s qualities. Yet, even amid such reverence, Neem Karoli Baba consistently pointed attention back to Hanuman, suggesting that any grace perceived in him flowed from that divine source rather than from personal ego.

The physical and communal expression of this bond appeared in the temples and sacred spaces associated with him. Numerous temples connected with Neem Karoli Baba were dedicated to Hanuman, and he took an active role in inspiring or overseeing the installation of Hanuman murtis as sacred work. These shrines, whether in traditional pilgrimage centers or in newer devotional communities, became focal points where the ideals of Hanuman—devotion, service, and surrender—could be lived and shared. Through such practices, Neem Karoli Baba’s relationship with Hanuman shaped not only his own spiritual identity, but also the devotional culture of those who gathered around him.