ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॐ शिवाय नमः
(Salutations to Lord Ganesha, Salutations to Lord Shiva)
The Story Of Faith, Legacy, and Divine Guidance
Faith of the Twelve Brothers
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
ORIGINS
In the mist-covered highlands of Karnali, where ancient trails wind through cedar forests and prayer flags flutter in mountain winds, the tradition of Masta Devta has endured for centuries. Born in the sacred Sinja Valley cradle of the Nepali language and the medieval Khasa kingdom – this living heritage connects us to our deepest roots.
THE DIVINE FAMILY
The Twelve Brother Gods (Bara Bhai) and their Sixteen Sisters of Masta Devta form a divine family that has protected the Khas people through famine, migration, and war. Each deity carries stories of miraculous intervention, appearing to guide lost travelers, heal the sick, and bless barren fields with abundance.
देवता आफन्तै हुन्
LIVING PRACTICE
Unlike distant gods of scripture, Masta Devta lives among us. In every home shrine, every village than (sacred space), every Dhami trance dance – the presence of our ancestral protectors remains immediate and real. This is not history in books; this is faith in action.
Sacred Locations
Sinja Valley, Jumla
The spiritual heartland where Masta worship intertwines with goddess temples of Kanaka Sundari and Tripura Sundari. Archaeological treasures bear witness to centuries of devotion.
Mount Kailash & Mansarovar
According to oral tradition, the sacred source of Masta’s power flows from this holy mountain, carried by migrating Khas tribes across the Himalayas.
Village Shrines (Than)
Across Mugu, Dolpa, Bajhang, and beyond, countless open-air shrines marked by sacred stones, prayer flags, and offerings where communities gather five times yearly.
The Story of Gura Devata
Preserving Sacred Roots, Guiding Community Growth.
Among the revered twelve brothers, Gura Masta holds a place of profound spiritual significance. Known as the divine brother of guidance and healing, Gura Dev is worshipped for wisdom, protection, and ancestral connection.
According to oral tradition passed down through generations, Gura Masta appeared in visions to devoted Dhamis, offering blessings to those seeking direction in times of hardship. Stories speak of miraculous healings, divine warnings that protected villages from disaster and profound spiritual guidance that shaped the destiny of entire communities.
Foundation Origin
कृण्वन्तो विश्वमार्यम्
Born from Devotion, Sustained by Community
The Gura Masta Foundation emerged from a simple conviction among Khas community elders: “हाम्रो संस्कृति, हाम्रो पहिचान” “Our culture, our identity”.
Witnessing young generations drift from ancestral practices, we came together in the lap of the Himalayas, blessed by Dhami elders who offered sacred tikas and rice grains. What began as local efforts to document oral histories has grown into a comprehensive mission preserving rituals, supporting practitioners, educating youth, and sharing our profound heritage with the world.
Guru’s Message
(Where there is Dharma, there is victory.)
“Our ancestors carried Masta Devta in their hearts across mountain passes and through valleys of hardship. Now it is our sacred duty to carry this flame forward not as a burden of the past, but as a living light that guides our children’s future.”
(When we forget, our gods weep.)
– From the heart of Gura Devta,
Through Bhikaji Thapa, Spiritual Voice
Our Mission
To preserve, honor, and share the cultural, spiritual, and historical legacy of Masta Devta through community service, sacred documentation and devotional practice.
Our Vision
A united community of devotees, across generations and geographies, honoring the twelve brothers through living faith, preserved traditions and collective devotion.
Sanskrit Foundation
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर
(Speak truth, practice righteousness)
Cultural Preservation
Recording oral histories, documenting rituals, and archiving sacred knowledge before it vanishes with the elder generation.
संस्कृतिः संरक्षिता नित्यं, परम्परा धार्यते सदा।
(When culture is preserved, tradition endures forever.)
Community Empowerment
Supporting villages in maintaining shrines, assisting Dhami shamans, and creating sustainable cultural tourism that benefits locals.
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर
(The wealth of good people is for helping others)
Youth Education
Integrating Masta studies in schools, organizing heritage workshops, and fostering pride in Khas identity among young people.
ज्ञानं परमं बलम्
(Knowledge is the supreme strength)
Our Devoted Team
Dianne Russell
Laxman Bista
Nanda Ale Magar
