Masto Culture: The Ancestral Deity of Kshatriyas

The name “Masto” varies across different regions, with alternatives such as Maidha, Maudho, Maidho, Mastha, Musto, Musda, Mundha, Mundho, and Muidho, among others. Karnali is rich in terms of culture and tradition. There are many historical heritages of religious faith in Karnali, which is still a rich cultural region. It is considered that the clan deity of the Khas caste (Mashto Devta) lives in the homes of Karnali residents. According to history, Sinja Valley, Karnali Province, is considered the birthplace of Masto culture.

Later, Masto culture was started in Bajhang, Bajura, Doti Dadeldhura, Achham, and other districts of Nepal through Kumaon Gadwal in India. There are different beliefs about how the Masto culture was started. Some call it religion, while others consider it a tradition or culture. Since there is no mention in the scriptures (शास्त्र), some argue that Masta does not exist as a Puranic/Vedic deity and has no connection with Hinduism.

We can experience celebration in certain places through festivals, and individuals have their own way of celebrating the festival based on their beliefs. Combining all the beliefs in one, Masto is ultimately the existential higher awareness. The Musto symbolizes Maha-Ista, where “Maha” stands for great and “Ista” stands for ultimate awareness. Together, it stands for the unionization of awareness.

Masto Culture and its Beliefs

In the Khas region, it is said that King Maharaj rules under the protection of Shiva, the care of the goddess, the direction of Indra, and the advice of Mashta. So, when there was a food crisis in the state, King Maharaja ran to Mashta Devta for help and fought based on what Mashta Devta told him to do. They still follow the religion and pray to protect themselves from starvation, bringing all of their problems to the Mashta Deity and asking for help.

Where there is the influence of Masta, each clan or village has its own deity. Masta does not have a fixed idol. Somewhere a stone is placed and some of the worship is done with Trishul, clocks, and flags. Masta is worshipped five times a year on a similar occasion called Paith, especially in Bhadra (August/September). Some celebrate it once every three years as Kulpuja or Digu Puja (Dewali).

Masto culture stories carry local history, which is like its biography. In such stories, many events or miracles God performs, such as the destruction of demons, wandering, or traveling from one place to another, are described. Many of the stories are based on the backdrop of agriculture and shepherd life.

Masta often narrates stories of past sorrows and struggles. Many Mastas narrate the history and mention places like Kailash, and Mansarovar. Therefore, it can be said that Masta is not one god but ‘many gods’. Each of these deities has its own personality and distinct nature. However, these are quite distinct from each other, as each Masta carries the history and characteristics of its community.

12 Bhai Masto and 9 Bahini Masto

There are 12 gods called 12 Bhai Musto and 9 sisters named 9 Bahini Musto (nine Durga goddesses).

The following are the nine Durga goddesses:

1. Malika / Kalika
2. Tripurasundari / Bhawani
3. Khesmalini / Sunnada
4. Pungelni / Kanaka / Sundari
5. Kanaka Sundari / Malika
6. Jalapa /Jalpa
7. Thingyalni / Alanakannada
8. Himalini / Tripurasundari
9. Bindhyabasini / Ugratara

The worshipers of the god Masto fully believe in the presence of the twelve brothers of Masto. The twelve major Masto Gods are as regards:

1. Adi Masto
2. Khappar Masto / Khapad Masto
3. Babiro Masto
4. Rumal Masto
5. Kala Masto
6. Dhadare Masto
7. Tharpa Masto
8. Bani Masto
9. Kaba Masto
10. Mandali Masto
11. Dade Masto / Dudhe Masto
12. Darhe Masto

The visitors are fond of taking the Masto Circuit, which was developed by connecting the famous 12 Bhai Mustos located in Dolpa, Rukum West, Jajarkot, Surkhet, and Jumla and also promoting Jhankri (Shaman) dance and Musto Devta spiritual healings. Likewise, a Malika Circuit can be done by connecting the famous 9 Malikas of Rukum West, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Kalikot, Jumla, and Mugu. The circuit promotes mind, body, and spirit (spirituality, wellness, and yoga/retreat) linking spirituality and natural healing with Musto traditions.

Mount Kailash Connection with The Masto Culture

People believe that the Musto culture originated in Kailash Parbat. Mount Kailash is itself known as one of the holiest mountains. It has been an important pilgrimage site for four different religions: Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and the Bon religion of Tibet. Thousands of people visit this world pilgrimage site each year, each with their own set of objectives. We respect every goal of yours to be in Himalayan existence, having been born in Himalayan existence and guiding in core central Himalayan existence since 1990.

In local terms, Kailash denotes literally “the existence of nothingness” or “absolutely transparent.”. It is observed that interest in a high Himalayan existence like Kailash is transcendent within you. Appropriate guidance has excellent potential to lead to a higher level of joyful wholeness for your entire life. Harmony, compassion, love, togetherness, and joyfulness are only a few explanations for wholeness. It is the state to be instead of becoming any explanation.

Sinja Valley Connection with The Masto Culture

People also believe that the Masto culture originated in the Sinja Valley, which was once considered part of the ancient kingdom of Nepal. Sinja Valley is in the Jumla district. It is the birthplace of the Nepali language and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List in the cultural category.

In a number of the Sinja Valley’s stone dewals or temples, the Mato’s old rituals continue to be practiced. In addition to the Masto Culture, the site has disclosed and unearthed other historically, culturally, and religiously significant sites, including ancient buildings, monuments (Kanak Sundari and Tripura Sundari), and the old settlement.

Sinja Valley is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Nepal. The valley has a lot of information about how the “Khas” language came to be, as well as archeological findings and other facts. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, this is where the Khasa or Malla kingdoms are thought to have been based. Here, the remains of ancient settlements and a spectacular ring of huge monolithic stone columns were found. On the cliffs and in Dullu, which is close by, you can see the oldest “Devnagari” writing, which dates back to the 13th century.