Dera Sacha Sauda
Dera Sacha Sauda (colloquially DSS) is a non-profit Social Welfare and Spiritual Organization, established in 1948, by the ascetic Mastana Balochistani, as a centre for spiritual learning. Its main centre is situated in Sirsa, Haryana, in the northern region of India.
The name Sacha Sauda ("true deeds") refers to an incident in the life of Guru Nanak Dev. Some sources tell that when Nanak Dev was a young boy, his father gave him some money and instructed him to conduct a business operation in order to make a profit and learn business skills. Nanak dev used the money to buy food to feed the poor, and explained to his father that in doing so he had done "true business". Thus the name came into being as not just an identity but, a philosophy of true deeds that serve humanity.
History
Dera Sacha Sauda was established by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan, in 1948. He was popularly known among his devotees as His Holiness Beparawah Mastana Ji Maharaj. The organisation was laid just a year after the country saw Independence and there was a renewed sense of freedom, awakening and awareness among the people of India. Dera Sacha Sauda and its founder Shah Mastana's endeavour was to bring a spiritual awakening among the masses and to uplift humanity, in order to create a better world. Maharaj Ji hailed from Balochistan, part of present-day Pakistan. With devotion and hard work, Maharaj Ji transmuted the barren land of Sirsa into a spiritual garden and imparted the glorious method of meditation to his followers. The slogan"Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Asra," which Dera’s devotees chant at the Ashram, elucidates the kindness of God Almighty as our saviour. Guruji preached about following the path of truth, humanity, and hard work. In 1960, the reins of Dera were handed over to his spiritual successor, Param Pita Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj. Mastana Ji Maharaj died on 18 April 1960.