Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal: History and Visitor Guide

Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, Punjab, is one of Pakistan’s most important Sikh pilgrimage sites. Its name refers to the sacred handprint—panja—associated through Sikh tradition with Guru Nanak.

The complex contains the main gurdwara, a spring-fed sarovar and facilities for pilgrims. This guide explains the sacred tradition, history and visitor experience at Panja Sahib.

For more Sikh heritage, explore our complete guide to Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan.

When we decided to go to Guru Nanak Panja Sahib Gurdwara, one summer morning, the weather was not at all good for travelling. Who travels in 40C temperature? – me!

The curiosity of knowing the legend of Baba Guru Nanak, Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Panja Sahib stone and holy water was too much to let go.

Table of Contents

Where is Gurdwara Panja Sahib?

Gurdwara Panja Sahib is located in Hassan Abdal, a historic town northwest of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It can be reached by road from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and nearby Taxila.

Road conditions, journey times, parking and security arrangements can change, particularly during major religious gatherings. Check current directions and entry requirements before travelling.

Pilgrims planning a wider journey can combine Panja Sahib with Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

I felt like an American ninja contestant driving towards Panja Sahib Gurdwara in Hasanabdal. The granite quarry graveyard, potholed highway, crazy Qing-Qi traffic and Sunday car-sale at Hasanabdal chowk would rattle the sanest of minds.

Panja Sahib Gurdwara Hassanabdal Pictures

Then you enter Guru Nanak’s Gurdwara Panja Sahib and tranquility greets you.

The white gurdwara stands within a marble courtyard surrounded by accommodation and service buildings for pilgrims. Its spring-fed sarovar is one of the complex’s most distinctive features.

The sacred handprint can be seen beside the flowing water. Fish live within the sarovar and should be observed respectfully without feeding, touching or disturbing them.

Guru Nanak real Hand print at Panja Sahib

A few steps downwards lay the sacred stone that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Jee (1469-1539) touched with his hand. You can see the ridges of his hands on the stone as well. The hand print image is quite obvious.

The sacred tradition of Panja Sahib

According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak stopped at Hassan Abdal during his travels with Bhai Mardana. When Bhai Mardana needed water, the ascetic Wali Qandhari initially refused to provide it.

The tradition relates that Guru Nanak caused a spring to emerge below the hill. Wali Qandhari then rolled a boulder towards him, which Guru Nanak stopped with his hand. The impression preserved on the stone is revered as the sacred panja from which the gurdwara takes its name.

The real kicker is that Saint Wali pushed a boulder down towards Guru Nanak sahib and the Guru stopped the boulder with just one hand. The rock boulder was putty in the hand of the Guru and his hand imprint lasts to this day.

Panja Sahib Story in Urdu

I wish I could have translated the Panja Sahib history in to Urdu for everyone to read.

Panja Sahib History

Langar at Panja Sahib

The gurdwara’s langar offers food to pilgrims and visitors without distinction. We were served sweet rice during our visit and appreciated the hospitality.

Langar represents the Sikh principles of equality, service and sharing. Visitors may accept the meal respectfully and follow instructions from the volunteers.

I felt like saying ‘Wahe Guru da Khalsa – Wahe Guru di Fateh!’

Saka Panja Sahib

Panja Sahib is also associated with the Saka Panja Sahib of 1922. According to Sikh historical accounts, local Sikhs gathered at Hassan Abdal railway station to provide food to Sikh prisoners being transported by train. When the train did not stop as requested, protestors stood on the tracks, and two Sikhs were killed.

Paintings at the gurdwara commemorate their sacrifice. The event is remembered as an important episode of the gurdwara reform movement.

With our heads covered and shoes removed, we entered the richly decorated interior where the Guru Granth Sahib was being recited. Glasswork, painted decoration and polished surfaces contribute to the ceremonial character of the space.

A granthi is a person responsible for reading and caring for the Guru Granth Sahib. Visitors should remain quiet, follow the congregation’s example and ask permission before photographing the interior.

Guru Granth religious book of Sikh

I talked to the Granti (script narrator) of the Gurdwara and he told me of the great families like Chawla, Sehni, Garewal, and Mukejah who once ruled the land. He said most of the Sikh of Punjab left while the ones in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa stayed behind — mostly because of their inaccessibility.

The Granti calls Sikh to prayer at dawn and dusk time.

I went to the lower deck of the main courtyard, in to the catacombs below. The fish there were having the time of their lives.

There were lower chambers where I am told prisoners were kept for some time as well.

Other historic places in Hassan Abdal

Near Panja Sahib are the Mughal-period tomb complex commonly called Maqbara Hakeeman and a surviving Hindu temple within the old town. The precise identity of the person buried in the neighbouring tomb should not be stated as fact without documentary evidence.

Hindu Temple of Panja Sahib Hassanabdal

We then paid off the son of a foul-tempered land lady that lived in the compound of the sole Hindu temple still standing at Hasanabdal to get pictures of Lord Ganesh.

The Hindu temple is on occupied or private property, so visitors must request permission and respect residents’ privacy. It belongs within the wider story of historic Hindu temples in Pakistan.

I have pasted all the lovely photographs I had. I would certainly make a Panja Sahib Gurdwara video for you all soon.

Then we fought our way back to civilization.

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Best time to visit Panja Sahib

Hassan Abdal can be very hot during summer. Spring and autumn are generally more comfortable, but visitors should check the current weather before travelling. Religious festivals attract larger pilgrim numbers and may involve additional security and access arrangements.

Why Panja Sahib matters

Gurdwara Panja Sahib combines sacred tradition, flowing water, architecture and the history of Sikh pilgrimage in Punjab. For devotees, the handprint and spring are objects of deep reverence; for other visitors, the site offers an opportunity to understand Sikh faith and heritage respectfully.

Continue to Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib or the complete guide to Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan.