Brahma Kumaris was founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, a retired Indian businessman, in 1937 in Hyderabad. The founder experienced spiritual visions in 1936 that prompted him to establish an educational institution centred on virtuous living and meditation practices.
The organisation was initially called "Om Mandali" and began with a small group of devoted followers. The community initially formed in Hyderabad before relocating to Karachi a year later. During this period, members developed spiritual teachings regarding the soul, God, and time concepts.
Following India's partition, the organisation moved in 1950 to Mount Abu, where it established its permanent headquarters. By that point, approximately 400 members comprised a self-contained community dedicated to spiritual advancement, meditation, and personal transformation.