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Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib: A Sacred Oasis of Sikhism in Pakistan
Embark on a profound spiritual journey to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, located in the town of Hassan Abdal, Pakistan, just 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Rawalpindi. This revered site holds a special place in Sikhism due to the presence of a rock believed to bear the handprint of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, drawing Sikh devotees from across the globe.
The Divine Imprint: A Symbol of Sanctity
Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib holds immense sanctity due to a rock believed to carry the handprint of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. This sacred relic symbolizes the Guru’s divine connection and serves as a powerful testament to his spiritual presence. Pilgrims from far and wide undertake tours to this Gurdwara, seeking solace and spiritual blessings.
The Arrival of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji: A Serene Encounter
In the year 1521 AD, during the warm embrace of summer, Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji arrived in Hassan Abdal. Seeking respite from the sun’s rays, they sought shade under a welcoming tree. As the strains of kirtan flowed from their lips, a gathering of people formed around them, drawn by the Guru’s divine aura.
A Clash of Beliefs: The Encounter with Baba Wali Qandhari
However, this divine congregation drew the ire of Baba Wali Qandhari, a local Muslim pir who meditated atop a nearby hill. Unhappy with the gathering around Guru Nanak, he rejected their request for water, revealing his arrogance. The stage was set for a divine encounter that would forever transform the landscape.
A Miraculous Revelation: Quenching Thirst with Faith
Sensing the villagers’ thirst, Guru Nanak dispatched Bhai Mardana three times to request water from Wali Qandhari. Each time, the pir refused with disdain. Undeterred, Mardana turned to the Guru for guidance. In response, Guru Nanak directed him to recite the Almighty’s name and drink from a newly manifested spring.
A Display of Miracles: Unveiling the Divine Power
Guru Nanak effortlessly moved a massive rock, releasing a gushing stream of pure water. Bhai Mardana’s thirst was quenched, and the villagers witnessed a miracle that defied logic. Meanwhile, Wali Qandhari’s fountain dried up, paving the way for a humbling realization.
From Foe to Follower: The Transformation of Wali Qandhari
Furious at his loss, Wali Qandhari hurled a boulder from the hilltop towards Guru Nanak. The Guru’s divine intervention halted the rock, leaving an indelible handprint in the stone. Witnessing this astounding event, Wali Qandhari’s anger gave way to reverence, and he embraced Guru Nanak’s teachings.
A Legacy Honored: The Name ‘Panja Sahib’
In honor of this divine saga, Hari Singh Nalwa, a renowned General of the Sikh Empire, christened this holy place as Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. Hari Singh Nalwa took a pivotal role in constructing the first gurdwara at this site, ensuring that its significance would endure through the ages.
Embracing Spirituality and Serenity: A Journey Within
As devotees embark on tours to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, let it be a journey of dharmak—immersing in the spiritual tapestry woven by Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. This hallowed oasis, with its divine handprint and historic events, serves as a reminder of the Guru’s teachings, resilience, and the transformative power of faith.
Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, located in Hasan Abdal, Pakistan, is one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It is revered for its connection to Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and a rock that bears his handprint. Sikh devotees from around the world visit this sacred site to seek spiritual solace and blessings.
The story of Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib dates back to the year 1521 AD when Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji arrived in Hasan Abdal during the summer season. Seeking refuge from the scorching sun, they rested under a shady tree, where they began reciting kirtan (sacred hymns). Their divine presence attracted a gathering of people who were drawn to the Guru’s spiritual aura.
However, this gathering caught the attention of Baba Wali Qandhari, a local Muslim pir who meditated on a nearby hill. Irritated by the crowd around Guru Nanak, he refused to provide water to the people, displaying his arrogance. This set the stage for a remarkable encounter that would change the course of events.
Despite the refusal, Guru Nanak sent Bhai Mardana three times to request water from Wali Qandhari. Each time, the pir rejected the plea. Undeterred, Mardana sought guidance from Guru Nanak, who instructed him to recite the Almighty’s name and drink from a newly created spring.
Guru Nanak’s miraculous intervention resulted in the movement of a massive rock, leading to the emergence of a pure water spring. Bhai Mardana’s thirst was quenched, and the villagers witnessed an incredible miracle. In contrast, Wali Qandhari’s fountain dried up, leading to his realization of the Guru’s divine power.
In a fit of rage, Wali Qandhari hurled a boulder from the hilltop toward Guru Nanak. Miraculously, Guru Nanak stopped the rock with his hand, leaving an indelible handprint on the stone. Witnessing this extraordinary event, Wali Qandhari’s anger transformed into reverence, and he embraced Guru Nanak’s teachings.