Shah Mastana Ji was born in 1891 in the village of Kotra in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. His father’s name was Shri Pillamal Ji and mother’s name was Mata Tulsa Bai Ji.

His holiness established Dera Sacha Sauda in the year 1948 in Sirsa, Haryana. He made not accepting any kind of donation and earning a livelihood out of hard work the core principles of the Dera. He made “Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Aasra” the sacred slogan of the Dera, which stands for “Oh praiseworthy God, You are our only refuge!”

His holiness established 25 ashrams in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan with drinking water facility and free meals for all. By his holiness’ command the sadhus who live in the ashram have only one meal in a 24-hour day. His holiness taught meditation to thousands of people in a simple language that all could understand. His holiness created the three cardinal rules of Dera Sacha Sauda of not consuming alcohol or other intoxicants, of not consuming non-vegetarian food, and of not committing adultery. Before passing away, his holiness handed over the reins of Dera Sacha Sauda to Shah Satnam Ji in 1960.