Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj
His Holiness Shah Mastana Ji incarnated in 1891 in the holy village Kotra, Tehsil Gandhey in district Kulait (Baluchistan). Sh. Pilla Mal Ji was his respected father and Smt. Tulsa Bai Ji, his most pious mother. Shah Mastana Ji laid the foundation of Dera Sacha Sauda in 1948 in Sirsa. His Holiness laid the principle of earning through hard work and absolutely prohibited acceptance of donations or charity of any kind.
His holiness coined the Nara 'Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Asra', which is explained as under:-
'Dhan Dhan' means that God is worth praising. 'Satguru' means the Supreme Being. This word represents Om, Allah, Waheguru, Ram, Parmatma, God and this word has been used in all the religions. 'Tera Hi Asra' means that we are solely dependant on Him and only He can help us everywhere in all eventualities.
His Holiness built 25 small ashrams in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. Facilities of drinking water and langar (community meals) were provided in these ashrams. As per His order, sadhus residing in the dera used to eat one meal a day and the same a day and the same practice is still being followed. His Holiness taught the practical method of Meditation to lakhs of people in a very simple language. His Holiness laid the three basic principles of Dera Sacha Sauda-not to eat non-vegetarian food, not to drink liquor and not to indulge in immoral behavior. Before shedding his human attire in 1960, His Holiness handed over the reins of Dera Sacha Sauda to Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj.