One day, a group of devoted Gursikhs, Bhai Bhagvaan Daas, Bhai Bodla Malik, Pirthee Mal, Dalloo Bhagat, Shyaam Daas, and Sunder, visited the darbar of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. They bowed with reverence, doing matha tek, and humbly requested Guru Sahib to guide them on how to cross the great ocean of life and death, that is, how to attain unity with Vaheguru.
According to Sikh history, Guru Sahib imparted the following instructions:
Establish a dharamshaala (Gurdwara) in your town.
Rise at Amritvela and gather at the dharamshaala.
Practice Naam Abhyaas during amritvela.
Engage in Kirtan to glorify Vaheguru.
Discuss and interpret the meanings of Gurbani together.
Conclude the diwaan with heartfelt Ardaas.
Earn your living honestly and ethically during the day.
Avoid dishonesty, deceit, and fraud in all matters.
Assemble again at the dharamshaala in the evening.
Recite Rehraas Sahib and participate in Kirtan.
Perform Ardaas and before sleeping recite Sohila.
Assist poor and needy Sikhs whenever possible.
Celebrate Gurpurabs with devotion and joy.
Maintain humility in your mind and strive to overcome ego.
The Gursikhs who followed these instructions diligently were able to navigate the treacherous ocean of worldly life and attain spiritual unity with Vaheguru.
Bhai Gurdas Ji explained the significance of sangat in his writings:
ਇਕੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਦੁਇ ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗੁ ਪੰਜੀਂ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ
This shows that even a small gathering of two Sikhs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji qualifies as a Gurdwara(Ghar Ghar Andar Dharamshaal). Therefore, this hukamnama from Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji is accessible to everyone, even in towns or villages where a formal Gurdwara may not exist. Spiritual practice, devotion, and service can begin anywhere, as long as the guidance of the Guru is followed with sincerity.