Gurudwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Rawalpindi:
Some 45 km from Rawalpindi on the main G.T road is the Attock District in which Hasan Abdal is a small flourishing town. Hasan Abdal’s running waters and springs have always helped it stay as a cultural nucleus in a populous region. The Gurudwara of Panja Sahib at Hasan Abdal is the famous Sikh pilgrimage center and Sikh pilgrims from all over the world flocked here every year in the month of April for the Baisakhi Festival. The temple situated in the center of the town depicts typical Sikh architecture and stands in the middle of a large stone water tank beside the huge stone with the large hand print of Guru Nanak.
The Dera had a specific significance for giving boon to the man of the faith and punishing the non-believers. Guru Nanak along with Bhai Mardana reached Hasan Abdal in Baisakh Samwat 1578 B.K. corresponding to 1521 A.D. in the summer season. Under a shady cool tree, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana started reciting Kirtan, the devotees gathered together which annoyed Wali Qandhari but he was helpless. According to a legend, Bhai Mardana was sent three times to Wali Qandhari so that the former might quench his thirst. Wali Qandhari refused and even used harsh words for him. Despite all of this, Mardana still very politely stuck to his demand. The Wali ironically remarked : Why don’t you ask your Master whom you serve? Mardana reached the holy presence of Guru in a miserable state and qouthed. “Oh lord ! I prefer to death to thirst but will not approach the Wali, the egoist.” The true Lord said smilingly,” Oh Bhai Mardana ! Repeat the Name of God, the Almighty; and drink the water to your heart’s content.” The Guru put aside a big piece of stone lying nearby, Where a pure fountain of water sprang up and began to flow endlessly. Bhai Mardana quenched his thirst and felt grateful to the Creater. On the other hand, the fountain of Wali Qandhari got dried up like vanishing of comforts and conveniences of an unfortunate fellow. On witnessing the wondrous act, the Wali in rage, threw a part of a mountain towards the Guru from the top of the hill. The true Lord halted the hurled stone with his hand. An indelibe mark of Guru’s hand was inserted in the stone. Observing that miracle, the ego of Wali vanished and he became the Guru’s fast devotee. Several attempts were made to deface the impression of the hand of the Guru but all of non avial and the mark remained for ever and ever. This holy and revered place is now known as Panja Sahib.
Gurudwara Dera Sahib Panjvin Patshahi – Shrine of Guru Arjan Dev (1563- 1606 A.D) Lahore:
Gurudwara Dera Sahib is situated opposite Lahore Fort near Badshahi Mosque. This is the place where Sat Gur Arjun Dev Ji was martyred in the River Ravi facing the tortures inflicted by Chandu on 30th May 1606 AD.
The Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the memory of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru who complied the Adi Granth, the principal part of Sikh scriptures. This shrine has a highly gilded attractive dome. The followers of Guru Arjan Singh assert that it is the same spot where Guru Arjan Dev miraculously disappeared in 1606 A.D. in the waters of river Ravi. The site where Guru Arjun Dev was martyred a Thara (platform) Sahib was built at by Guru Hargobind Ji in Samvat 1919 when he came to Lahore visiting Gur Asthans.
Gurudwara Sri Nankana Sahib Ji – (Gurudwara Birth Place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji):
Nankana Sahib is a holy place where the founder of Sikh religion, the dispeller of darkness, the most enlightened global Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji was born early in the morning to Mata Tripta Ji and Mehta Kalu Ji on 15th April, 1469 (Baisakh sudi 3, Samwat 1526). The township of Nankana Sahib was earlier known as Raipur and later on as Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi but after the birth of Guru Nanak, it began to be known as Nankian Sahib/Nankana Sahib. It is situated at a distance 48 miles on the west from Lahore. Guru Nanak dev ji passed his whole childhood and young age in Nankana Sahib.
After this partition, a mention of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in the daily ardasa or prayer has become a regular feature. These Sikh shrines in Pakistan are managed by a Waqf Board and every year, Sikh Jathas visit these shrines on four different occasions. At present there are 25-30 Sikh families residing in Nankana Sahib and as a result of this, daily service is performed and bani is recited. At the occassion of Guru Nanak’s anniversary, about three thousand Sikh devotees from India visit Nankana Sahib. Sikhs from all over the world come there too.
Samadh of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: (1780-1839) Lahore:
This mausoleum of the powerful ruler of the Sikh dynasty is situated just opposite the Lahore Fort. His Samadh occupies the spot where he was cremated. The architecture is mixture of Mughal and Hindu styles. This building was built in 1848 A.D by Kharak Singh son of Ranjit Singh. The square roof with a central fluted dome is crowded around with Naga hood designs. The interior of the chamber is elaborately decorated with fresco pertaining to Sikh gurus etc. In the center of the sepulchral chamber is a small four column domed marble pavilion beautifully decorated with pietra aura work. In this pavilion is a marble urn in the form of lotus containing ashes of the Maharaja. Eleven smaller knobs hold ashes of four queen and seven slave girls. Kharak Singh, the successor of Ranjit Singh, died in 1840 and their ashes rest side by side with his son Naunihal Singh in the domes of Ranjit Singh’s mausoleum
Itinerary:
Day 01: Lahore
Arrive at Wagah border or airport, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Lahore visit the Lahore museum Specially the famous Sikh gallery and manuscripts gallery. Later drive to Delhi gate bazaar to visit Wazeer Khan mosque.
Day 02: Lahore
Today you will visit the Gurdwara Chauthi sahib the Janam Asthan (Birth Place) of the Guru Ramdas ji at Chuna Mandi later tour of Lahore visiting the Lahore museum, Badshahi mosque, the famous Lahore Fort and Samadhi of Raja Ranjit Singh. Later visit the Anarkali Bazaar & Liberty market for shopping.
Day 03: Nankana Sahib
Drive to Nankana Sahib via Sucha Sauda, Sheikhupura Fort and Aminabad. In Nankana Sahib Tour for Guru ka Darshan. Yattra at Gurdwara Janam Asthan & holy places of Guru Nanak Sahib & Guru Arjun Dev Sahib
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Day 04: Nankana Sahib – Lahore
After breakfast visit Gurdwara Bal Lila, Pati Sahib, Tambu Sahib, Maiji Sahib, Kaira sahib and Nahan Ganj. Afternoon drive to Lahore.
Day 05: Lahore – Rawalpindi
Departure for Rawalpindi/Islamabad by road. Enroute visit Aminpura Gurdawara at Gujranwala. Arrive at Rawalpindi/Islamabad and transfer to Hotel.
Day 06: Hasan Abadal
Full day visit to Hasan Abadal Punja Sahib Afternoon drive back to Rawalpindi via Taxila.
Day 07: Rawalpindi – Lahore – Destination
Drive to Lahore airport/wagah border for your onward journey.