Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites in Pakistan and is closely associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikh tradition holds that Guru Nanak arrived in Hasan Abdal with Bhai Mardana in 1521. The shrine takes its name from the panja, or handprint, believed to have been left by Guru Nanak on a large boulder that remains preserved within the Gurdwara complex. Pakistan’s Department of Archaeology and Museums also identifies the site as a major historic Gurdwara associated with Guru Nanak’s visit to Hasan Abdal.

According to Sikh tradition, Bhai Mardana became thirsty and approached Wali Qandhari, who controlled a spring on the nearby hill, but was refused water. Guru Nanak then caused water to flow from the place where he was sitting. The tradition further recounts that Wali Qandhari sent a large rock down the hillside, which Guru Nanak stopped with his hand, leaving the impression that gave the shrine its name. The spring continues to flow through the Gurdwara and remains central to the sacred character of the site.

The first Gurdwara at the site is traditionally attributed to Hari Singh Nalwa, the celebrated general of the Sikh Empire, while the shrine was later developed during the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Today, Gurdwara Panja Sahib remains one of Pakistan’s major functioning Sikh shrines and continues to receive pilgrims from Pakistan, India and other countries.