How to Set Up Guruji’s Darbar at Home

(A simple, heartfelt guide, from my experience)

There is no “perfect” way to set up Guruji’s Darbar. There is no rulebook. There is no fixed direction. There is no checklist that makes it complete. Because a Darbar is not a setup, it is a feeling. A connection. A presence. And everyone experiences it differently.

But if you are starting… or even restarting… this is a simple way that has always felt right to me.

1. Start with Choosing the Space

Before anything else, pause here.

Where you place Guruji… matters. Not because of vastu or rules, but because Guruji becomes the center of that space.

Choose a place:

• where you feel calm
• where you can sit, even for a few minutes
• where you feel you can connect

It could be a corner of your room, a dedicated area, or even a small setup somewhere quiet. There is no “right place.” There is only a place that feels right to you.

2. Clean the Space, Gently, Mindfully

Before setting anything, clean the area. Not in a rushed way. Not like a task. But almost like you’re preparing to welcome someone very special. Because you are.

That small act of cleaning… changes your energy before anything else begins.

3. Setting Guruji’s Gaddi (Seating)

Now comes the most important part, Guruji’s seat.

This could be:

• a single-seater sofa,
• a chair,
• even a comfortable setup you already have.

There is no restriction. The only bhav behind this is: Guruji should be sitting comfortably. That’s it. Not grand. Not expensive. Just comfortable and respectful.

4. Placing the Bhog Table (Right Side)

On Guruji’s right side, you can place a small table. This is where you offer bhog prasad. Think of it simply, this is where Guruji will “eat”

So place it in a way that feels natural and easy.

5. Left Side (Optional, But Meaningful)

On the left side, you may place another table (optional).

Here, many of us like to keep:

• Shiv Parivar
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s photograph

This completes the Darbar in a very subtle, balanced way. But again, only if it feels right to you.

6. Dressing the Darbar

Now comes the part people often overthink. Decoration. But honestly… you don’t need much.

You can:

• use a Chola Sahib
• or simply offer a fresh piece of cloth

That’s enough. Always try to offer something fresh. Because this is not decoration… this is offering.

If you don’t want to keep buying again and again: keep one cloth separately, only for Guruji. That itself becomes special over time.

7. Joda Sahib or Charan Bhav

You can choose to:

• offer a Joda Sahib (Guruji’s footwear)
• or place Guruji’s charan (feet) photograph

Both carry the same essence - being at His feet. Do what feels natural to you.

8. Keep Decoration Simple

You can add:

• flowers
• a small urli
• minimal elements

But honestly…Guruji has never asked for heavy decoration.

Just a jyot and a flower. And presence. That is enough.

9. The Jyot (Diya)

One thing that completes the Darbar… is the jyot. A simple diya. It brings a different stillness into the space. Your satsang begins with this.

10. Utensils, Keep Them Separate

This is something very important, and often missed. The utensils used for Guruji should be separate.

You can keep aside:

• a thali
• bowl
• spoon
• glass
• a small cup for chai prasad

And a cloth to cover the thali (Bhog Thal Sahib). We always cover Guruji’s bhog. Because, He is not just being offered food… He is being served with respect.

11. Photographs & Background

You can place Guruji’s photographs:

• behind the gaddi (on the wall)
• or on an easel stand

This adds to the presence of the Darbar. But again, keep it simple.

And That’s It. That’s all. No perfection needed. No pressure. No comparison. If the bhav is there… the Darbar is complete.

A Small Note from Me

Over time, you will change things. You will add. Remove. Rearrange. And that’s okay. Because your Darbar grows with you.