Gurdwara Panja Sahib

Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh shrines in the world, dedicated to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The name means "sacred handprint of the master," referring to the miraculous event tradition says occurred here in the early sixteenth century.

The complex is large, beautifully maintained, and welcomes visitors of all faiths. At Baisakhi (April) and at the anniversary of Guru Nanak's birth, hundreds of thousands of Sikh pilgrims travel here from across Pakistan, India, and the diaspora — one of the largest Sikh gatherings in South Asia. Outside pilgrimage season the atmosphere is calm and contemplative, with the sacred pool at the centre of the complex reflecting the white marble buildings.

Non-Sikh visitors are welcome but should cover their heads (scarves are provided) and remove shoes before entering the main hall.

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A story
The handprint (panja) of Guru Nanak is believed to be preserved in the stone here. According to tradition, the Guru stopped a boulder hurled at him by the Muslim saint Baba Wali Qandhari with his bare hand — and the imprint remained. The boulder itself sits outside the gurdwara to this day.