Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassan Abdal
Hassan Abdal, Punjab
Overview
Located in the historic city of Hassan Abdal approximately 45 kilometers from Islamabad and Rawalpindi in Punjab Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage shrines in the world. Built on the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji the founder of Sikhism visited in 1521 AD the shrine is globally famous for housing a boulder bearing a handprint imprinted on solid stone attributed to Guru Nanak after he stopped a rolling rock pushed by a local ascetic Vali Qandhari. Constructed in classic 19th-century Sikh Empire architecture under Maharaja Ranjit Singh the complex features a two-story main sanctum a large freshwater pool Sarovar fed by natural mountain springs continuous Langar hall and arched marble cloisters welcoming thousands of international pilgrims annually.
Highlights
- World-famous Sikh pilgrimage shrine housing the sacred handprint boulder of Guru Nanak Dev Ji from 1521 AD
- Built in magnificent 19th-century Sikh Empire architecture with white marble courtyards and gilded domes
- Features a large crystal-clear water pool Sarovar fed continuously by a natural underground mountain spring
- Mass community kitchen Langar Hall serving free hot vegetarian meals to thousands of daily visitors
- Central venue for major annual Sikh religious festivals including Vaisakhi and Gurpurab celebrations
- Strategically situated in Hassan Abdal along main GT Road N-5 near Taxila and the CPEC route
Things To Do
- View and pay respects at the sacred boulder bearing the handprint of Guru Nanak Dev Ji inside the pool pavilion
- Perform spiritual ablutions along the white marble walkways surrounding the crystal-clear Sarovar pool
- Partake in the traditional free communal vegetarian meal served at the continuous Langar Hall
- Admire the intricate Sikh Empire architecture gilded domes carved marble pillars and historical frescoes
- Experience spiritual Kirtan music devotional prayers and vibrant international gatherings during Vaisakhi