[1] 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."
In 1615, Bhai Almast established a shrine, known as Mangu Math, in Puri (Orissa), to commemorate Guru Nanak's visit to the Jagannath temple.
Bhai Almast sought help from Guru Hargobind, who restored the Sikh shrine and rejuvenated the pipal tree through miraculous means.
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.