Bhai Almast
Sikh preacher (1553-1643)
Bhai Almast (26 August 1553 – 1643), also known as Alimata, Godaria, or Kambaliya, was a Sikh preacher, leader of a branch of the Udasi Sampradaya, and the elder brother of Bhai Balu Hasna, another prominent preacher of the Udasi sect. He was one of the four Adi-Udasis. His missionary centre was active in eastern India, such as a Puri, and in the Nanakmatta region of what is now Uttarakhand. He was also evangelizing later in his life in Sindh. He was active in the 17th century.
Early life
Almast was born on 26 August 1553 in a Gaur Brahmin family of Srinagar (Kashmir) to Bhai Hardatt and Mai Prabha. He had a younger brother named Balu. His birth name was Alu, but due to his inclination towards mysticism and disinterest in the secular world, he became known as Almast, which means "in a state of ecstasy." He was also referred to as Kambalia or Godaria because of his basic attire consisting of a kambal (blanket) or godari (quilt).
In his youth, Alu departed from his home to pursue spirituality. In 1574, he arrived at Dera Baba Nanak, where he became a disciple of Sri Chand, the founder of the Udasi sect and the son of Guru Nanak.
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