Shri Shri Harichand Thakur (1811-1877) a Hindu votary and founder of the Matua, was born in Orakandi of kashiani upazila in gopalganj (Greater faridpur) on 11 March 1811. His father, Yashomanta Thakur, was a Maithili Brahmin and a devout Vaishnava.
Shri Shri Harichand Thakur's doctrine is based on three basic principles-truth, love, and sanctity.The doctrine treats all people as equal; people are not seen according to castes or sects.
This is why his followers believe Harichand to be an avatar (incarnation) of vishnu, and are from the lower strata of society.
They used to affirm:
"Rama Hari,
Krisna Hari,
Hari Gorachand,
Sarba Hari Mile Ei Purna Harichand"
Rama is lord, Krishna is lord, lord is Chaitanyadev. But all of them make our Harichand, who is our lord.