Dharma Bhakta Mathema (1909—1941) was a professional body builder as well as a founding member of Praja Parishad.

He introduced modern body building techniques in Nepal, but had gained popularity for his contribution to the Nepalese struggle for freedom against the autocracy of the Rana dynasty.

Dharma Bhakta Mathema was born to a Newar family in Kathmandu in 24 September 1909 (9 Ashoj 1966 BS).

He received his basic education in Sanatan Madhyamik Vidhyalaya in Darjeeling, after which he went to the Scottish Church College in Calcutta to get an Intermediate in Arts (I.A.)

[3] Dharma Bhakta's physical appearance was described as thin, unhealthy and weak during his childhood, which caused other children to tease and bully him.

Once during the Ghode Jatra festival, he showed his bodybuilding prowess to the people in the presence of King Tribhuvan and the Rana family in Tundikhel.

While in India Dharma Bhakta had met Chittaranjan Das and had joined in the struggle for Indian independence.

However discovery of his political activities prompted Juddha Shamsher to exile his father Adi Bhakta Mathema.

Since three of the founding members of Praja Parishad were of Brahmin caste, and hence were exempt from death penalty, they were duly humiliated and exiled.

On 24 January 1941 (12 Magh 1997 BS), Dharma Bhakta was hanged till death at Sifal, Kathmandu, at midnight.