For the devotees of Dera Sacha Sauda, November is not just another month; it is a period imbued with reverence and joy, marking the holy incarnation of Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj. The air is filled with devotion, as millions honor the saint who established a unique spiritual mission dedicated to universal love, selflessness, and righteousness. This celebration is not limited to any particular day in November but encompasses the entire month, which devotees recognize as a season of spiritual renewal and intense devotion. The aura of November is vibrant with the remembrance of Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj, a month when the selfless spirit of sewa (selfless services) and reverence for the Guru is magnified through a multitude of heartfelt welfare activities.
In the journey of life, a Guru’s role stands paramount. Just as a lighthouse guides lost ships, a Guru provides spiritual illumination, connecting seekers with the divine, dispelling ignorance, and nurturing virtues that transcend worldly attachments. A true Guru is not merely a teacher but a divine beacon of love, peace, and wisdom, who steers individuals away from the storms of life toward the tranquil shores of truth and purpose.
A true spiritual master is one who connects souls to the divine, providing the righteous path to salvation. True spiritual saints are enlightened beings serving as torchbearers, that guide individuals toward self-realization and a deeper understanding of their purpose. Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj epitomized this role, becoming a source of eternal light and wisdom for countless devotees. Through his teachings and actions, he illustrated the qualities of an authentic Guru who not only teaches but transforms.
Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj, the first revered master of Dera Sacha Sauda, was born on Full Moon day of the Kartik month in the year 1891, in the village of Kotra located in the Balochistan region of Pakistan. This year, his incarnation day will be celebrated on the full moon of November, which falls on the 15th. Born into a devout family, Sai Ji displayed signs of divine inclination even in his childhood. His revered parents Shri Pillamal Ji and mata Tulsa Bai Ji, saw in him a unique spark that radiated innocence, wisdom, and a profound connection to spirituality, setting him apart from others.
Owing to his deep yearning to connect with the divine, Sai Ji embarked on a remarkable spiritual quest at the young age of 14, leaving behind his family and worldly life. He began his search for a true spiritual master, a journey that took him across towns, villages, and into the presence of various saints and philanthropists.
But it was under the guidance of Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, the revered master of Beas, that he found his true calling. Drawn by his divine presence, Sai Ji attended his satsangs (spiritual gatherings) and felt an unparalleled connection with the teachings imparted there. Recognizing Sai Ji’s sincerity and spiritual yearning, Baba Sawan Singh Ji bestowed him with the powerful method of meditation (Gurumantra).
Under Baba Ji’s guidance, Sai Ji received immense spiritual wealth and blessings. Baba Ji entrusted him with the profound responsibility of sharing the true method of meditation with others, urging him to spread the light of spirituality in the belt of Baagad and help those in search of higher truths, which later led to the foundation of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa. It was here that Sai Ji began his work of uplifting humanity through the gift of ‘Ram-Naam’ or method of meditation.
With the divine mission to spread Ram-naam (the true method of meditation) and humanity among people, Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj established Dera Sacha Sauda in 1948 in Sirsa, Haryana. It was established with the vision of creating a sanctuary where people from all faiths and backgrounds could come together in pursuit of truth and spiritual fulfillment. Dera Sacha Sauda became a spiritual oasis, a place where people could find inner peace, guidance, and the blessings of a true master. The unique aspect of Dera Sacha Sauda is its universal appeal, as it respects and embraces the essence of all religions while focusing on the common pursuit of divine love and purity.
Through Sai Ji’s guidance, followers learnt to shun superstitions and embrace a life of pure virtues and selfless service. He advised followers to refrain from non-vegetarian diets, alcohol, and other harmful substances, encouraging them to lead lives marked by compassion and integrity. A key tenet of Sai Ji’s teachings was high moral character, which he emphasized as essential to true spiritual living. The sacred slogan of Dera Sacha Sauda, “Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Aasra,” coined by Sai Ji, remains a heartfelt expression of devotion, embodying gratitude in their Satguru. For millions, these words resonate as a prayer, a mantra, and a source of solace that strengthens their bond with the divine.
In honor of Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj’s birth, the entire month of November is celebrated with an unyielding spirit of devotion, compassion, and selflessness. Each day is observed with the same fervor as Diwali, as followers engage in numerous welfare initiatives inspired by the teachings of their beloved Guru.
Acts of kindness, such as food and clothing distribution to the needy, toy and book donations to children, distribution of blankets, and the construction of free housing for the homeless, are just a few examples of the heartfelt contributions made by the devotees.
Under the guidance and inspiration of Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, more than seven crore devotees worldwide actively participate in these welfare activities, illuminating countless lives with love, hope, and generosity. The impact of their selfless service ripples across the world, embodying the values that Sai Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj cherished and imparted to his followers. Through these acts, the month of November becomes a living testament to the legacy of Sai Ji, inspiring millions to walk the path of kindness, purity, and devotion.