Gurdwara Panja Sahib- Pakistan

Address

Gurdwara Panja Sahib- Hassan Abdal, Attock, Punjab, Pakistan

Deity

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Introduction

• Location: Hasan Abdal, Pakistan
• Significance:
  • A famous gurdwara renowned for the handprint of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed to be imprinted on a boulder at the site.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • Guru Nanak’s Visit: Guru Nanak, accompanied by Bhai Mardana, arrived in Hasan Abdal during Baisakh Samwat 1578 B.K. (approximately summer of 1521 CE). It is said that during this visit, Guru Nanak’s handprint was imprinted on a boulder at the site.
• Naming and Establishment:
  • The gurdwara was named Panja Sahib by Hari Singh Nalwa, a prominent general of the Sikh Empire, who is credited with building the first gurdwara at this location.
• The Legend of Guru Nanak and Shah Wali Qandhari:
  • Under a shady tree, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana began reciting Kirtan, attracting the attention of local devotees. This gathering disturbed a local saint, Shah Wali Qandhari.
  • Guru Nanak sent Bhai Mardana three times to request water from Wali Qandhari, who rudely refused. Despite Mardana’s polite persistence, Wali remained arrogant, suggesting he should ask Guru Nanak for help.
  • In a state of despair, Mardana expressed his unwillingness to approach the Wali, preferring death to thirst. Guru Nanak advised him to repeat God’s name and assured him he could drink water to his heart’s content.
• Miraculous Spring:
  • Guru Nanak pushed aside a large rock, causing a pure fountain of water to spring forth, allowing Bhai Mardana to quench his thirst. Meanwhile, the fountain belonging to Shah Wali Qandhari dried up.
  • In a fit of rage, Wali Qandhari hurled a part of a mountain at Guru Nanak, who miraculously stopped the rock from hitting him. Fresh spring water then gushed out from behind the rock, creating a large pool.
  • The imprint of Guru Nanak’s right hand was permanently marked on the rock, which was later built in the Mughal style by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839).
  • Witnessing these miracles, Wali Qandhari converted to become a devotee of Guru Nanak.

Century/Period/Age

500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Hasan Abdal

Nearest Railway Station

Hasan Abdal station

Nearest Airport

Campbellpore

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