The exact name of this historical and sacred site is Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪੰਜਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ). The name "Panja" refers to the sacred handprint (panja) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji that is believed to be imprinted on a boulder at the site.
History
Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines, dates back to 1521 CE during the first Udasi (spiritual journey) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The gurdwara commemorates a miracle performed by Guru Nanak, who stopped a boulder hurled at him by Wali Qandhari with his hand, leaving a handprint on the rock. The spring of water Guru Nanak miraculously produced at the site still flows today. The gurdwara was first built by Hari Singh Nalwa, a prominent general of the Sikh Empire, and was later expanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century.
About
Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib marks a miraculous event during Guru Nanak Dev Ji's travels, where he provided water to his companion, Bhai Mardana, by causing a spring to flow from a rock. The refusal of Wali Qandhari to share water, followed by Guru Nanak’s divine intervention, is central to the shrine’s significance. Today, the rock with the handprint and the continually flowing spring are key features of the gurdwara, making it a spiritual and miraculous site. The gurdwara complex includes a large pool of water, a beautiful Mughal-style temple, and accommodation for pilgrims.
Role of PSGPC
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) plays a key role in maintaining Gurdwara Panja Sahib, ensuring it remains an active pilgrimage site, and facilitating special events such as Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Gurpurab, which see an influx of Sikh yatrees from across the globe.
Location
Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib is located in Hasan Abdal, Attock District, Punjab, Pakistan, about 48 kilometers northwest of Rawalpindi. The shrine is easily accessible by road from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, making it a prominent stop for pilgrims. Each year, the gurdwara hosts thousands of Sikh pilgrims, especially during Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Gurpurab, with special visas issued by the Pakistan government to accommodate yatrees from around the world.