Gukesh Dommaraju visited the Neem Karoli Baba’s Indian monastery. Gukesh visited the monastery ahead of the FIDE World Championship 2026.

The reigning World Champion sought spiritual blessings to defend his title in the match against Javokhir Sindarov. Gukesh received blessings from a local servant, according to Indian media reports.

Neem Karoli Baba is a Hindu saint. Many famous people have been and continue to be interested in his teachings. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and other celebrities have visited Neem’s monastery.

The FIDE World Championship 2026 is the crowning match to determine the World Champion. Match features defending Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. The match will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from November 25 to December 15.

Credit: Eng Chin An / FIDE