Revered Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj, the founder of Dera Sacha Sauda, was born as Shri Khemamal Ji on Kartik Poornima in 1891 in Kotra, Balochistan, to Shri Pillamal Ji and Mata Tulsa Bai Ji. Driven by an intense devotion to the Almighty, he left home at the age of fourteen in search of a true spiritual master, rejecting superficial mystical powers along the way. His search ended upon meeting Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj at Dera Beas, who initiated him into the method of meditation and, recognizing his pure dedication, bestowed upon him the title "Shah Mastana Ji." Entrusted by Baba Sawan Singh Ji to carry forward the spiritual mission across Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab, Shah Mastana Ji was later assigned to the Bagar region, leading to the establishment of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in 1948. During his spiritual ministry from 1948 to 1960, he preached meditation to thousands, emphasizing honest hard work, absolute devotion without hypocrisy, and a strict prohibition against accepting donations or charity. Known for his selflessness, he freely distributed material wealth like gold, silver, clothes, and money to draw people away from worldly attachments and toward spirituality. With the divine permission of his master, Shah Mastana Ji also coined the holy slogan "Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Asra," honoring the omnipresent Almighty. He imbued this sacred phrase with spiritual blessings, assuring disciples that sincere remembrance and chanting of the slogan would grant protection, resolve insurmountable hardships, and bestow grace upon true seekers.
Birth and Spiritual Inclination - Shah Satnam Ji Maharaj, the second spiritual master of Dera Sacha Sauda, was born as Shri Harbans Singh on January 25, 1919, in Jalalana Sahab, Haryana, to a pious Sidhu family. The only child of Shri Wareyam Singh Ji and Mata Aas Kaur Ji, he grew up to become an eminent local landlord. From early childhood, he harbored a deep yearning for God-realization, leading him on an extensive search for a true spiritual master, during which he explored the teachings of many revered devotees. Devotion and Years of Testing - His spiritual quest concluded upon attending a congregation by Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj, where he recognized his destined master. For three consecutive years, he attended Satsangs faithfully and engaged in selfless service to fellow disciples. Despite his repeated requests for meditation initiation (*Naam*), Shah Mastana Ji consistently tested his patience, reassuring him that he would be called when the right time arrived and that no negative influences would harm him in the interim. Initiation and Divine Mandate - The defining moment came on March 14, 1954, following a discourse in the village of Ghukeyanwali near Sirsa. Shah Mastana Ji summoned him, seated him by his side, and bestowed the divine *Naam*, declaring that higher orders had arrived to initiate him. In doing so, Shah Mastana Ji entrusted him with a profound spiritual mission, proclaiming that he was destined to lead the spiritual path (*Zindaram*) and shower the blessings of meditation upon the world.
Birth and Prophesied Arrival - Revered Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan was born on August 15, 1967, in Sri Gurusar Modia, Rajasthan, to Sardar Magghar Singh Ji and Mata Naseeb Kaur Ji. Followers consider his birth the fulfillment of a January 1960 prophecy by Shah Mastana Ji, who foretold returning after seven years as the third spiritual master of Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS). Early Life and Succession - Recognized from an early age for his discipline, academic and athletic performance, and charitable nature, he began driving a tractor in his family's fields at just eight years old. Having received spiritual initiation (Naam) from the second master, Param Pita Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj, in March 1973, he was formally anointed as the successor and head of Dera Sacha Sauda on September 23, 1990, leaving his family at age 23 to dedicate his life to the organization. Spiritual Leadership and Welfare - As the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, he has guided tens of millions of followers through spiritual meditation and Gurumantra, emphasizing that the divine resides within every individual rather than in remote asceticism. Beyond spiritual discourses, his tenure has focused on large-scale humanitarian efforts, encompassing 176 welfare initiatives, numerous world records, and extensive community service programs.
