Bhai Almast (26 August 1553 – 1643) was a Sikh preacher, leader of a branch of the UdasiSampradaya, and the elder brother of Bhai Balu Hasna, another prominent preacher of the Udasi sect.[1]
Early life
Almast was born on August 26, 1553, in a Gaur Brahmin family of Srinagar (Kashmir) to Bhai Hardatt and Mai Prabha.[2] His birth name was Alu, but due to his inclination towards mysticism and disinterest in worldly affairs, he became known as Almast, which means "in a state of ecstasy." He was also referred to as Kambalia or Godaria because of his simple clothing made from a kambal or godari.
At a young age, Alu left home to seek spiritual knowledge and eventually ended up in Dera Baba Nanak in 1574, where he became a follower of Baba Shri Chand, the founder of the Udasi sect and the son of Guru Nanak. Almast served at the mausoleum of Guru Nanak and tended to goats for a living. Baba Gurditta, the eldest son of Guru Hargobind, later appointed Bhai Almast to spread the message of Guru Nanak in the eastern provinces.
Later life
In 1615, Bhai Almast established a shrine, known as Mangu Math, in Puri (Orissa), to commemorate Guru Nanak's visit to the Jagannath temple. He then moved to Nanak Mata in Gorakh Mata, where Guru Nanak had a discourse with Nath yogis under a pipal tree, and a shrine dedicated to Guru Nanak had been established. However, this site had been taken over by the yogis, who destroyed the Sikh shrine and burnt down the pipal tree. Bhai Almast sought help from Guru Hargobind, who restored the Sikh shrine and rejuvenated the pipal tree through miraculous means.
Missionary work
Eastern India
After this incident, Bhai Almast spent the rest of his life in Nanak Mata and sent out eight principal disciples to preach in various districts of eastern India. These disciples established Sikh shrines in places visited by Guru Nanak during his first Udasi or preaching journey.[3][4]
Sindh
Almast also traveled to Sindh, where he conducted missionary activities and successfully converted many Sindhis to the Udasipanth.[5] His place of residence was at Rohri, at the dhuni established by Sri Chand.[5] Those newly converted appended Ram or Das to the end of their names.[5] He died in 1643.
