Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal

Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the most important and historically significant Sikh pilgrimage sites in Pakistan. Located in Hassan Abdal, Attock District, Punjab, the shrine is deeply connected with the Sikh tradition surrounding Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the First Sikh Guru.

According to Sikh tradition preserved by the SGPC, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Hassan Abdal in 1521, accompanied by Bhai Mardana. The tradition tells of an encounter with Wali Qandhari, a holy man whose dera was situated on the hill above the settlement. During the episode, a large rock is said to have been rolled down toward Guru Nanak. Sikh tradition holds that Guru Nanak stopped the rock with his hand, leaving a hand impression on the stone. This sacred rock became known as Panja Sahib, from the Punjabi word Panja, meaning the palm or hand. 

The historic shrine also contains a sarovar, and the natural spring associated with the site forms an important part of its religious landscape. The Punjab Government describes the hand impression as being preserved inside the Gurdwara. 

Panja Sahib is significant not only because of its association with Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also because of its later role in the Gurdwara Reform Movement and the historic Saka Panja Sahib of 1922. On 31 October 1922, Sikh devotees at Hassan Abdal attempted to provide food to Sikh prisoners being transported by train. Two Sikhs, Bhai Karam Singh and Bhai Partap Singh, were martyred and several others were injured after the train was stopped. The SGPC records this event as an important episode in Sikh history. 

Today, Gurdwara Panja Sahib remains a major destination for Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, particularly during major religious occasions such as Vaisakhi. ETPB continues to list Panja Sahib among Pakistan's major Gurdwaras and provides pilgrim-related arrangements at major shrines.