Wali Qandhari (lit. Saint of Qandahar) was, according to a tradition popularized by Bhai Bala Janam Sakhi and Bhai Santokh Singh’s Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, a Muslim recluse residing on top of a hill near Hasan Abdal, now in Campbellpore (Attock) district of Punjab, Pakistan. Accompanied by Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak came to Hasan Abdal on his way back from Mecca and Baghdad and halted at the foot of the hill. Feeling fatigued and thirsty, but finding no water in the vicinity, Mardana went uphill to Wali Qandhari.
The Wali inquired who he was and how he happened to wander in that direction. When Mardana explained that he was in the company of no ordinary being, Wali Qandhari refused to give him water, saying that if his master was so accomplished, he should not let his follower go thirsty. Mardana walked back and informed the Guru of the Wali’s response. Guru Nanak asked Mardana to go once more and humbly request water. Mardana obeyed but again returned without success.
The Guru then touched the hillside with the stick he was holding. As he did so, water gushed forth. Mardana quenched his thirst, but simultaneously, Wali Qandhari’s reservoir on the hilltop began to dry up. Enraged, the Wali rolled a large boulder downhill toward the travelers. Guru Nanak calmly raised his arm, and as the story goes, the boulder stopped against his open palm (panja in Punjabi), leaving an imprint.
The boulder with the palm mark (panja), surrounded by the water spring, continues to draw visitors and pilgrims to the site. The Gurdwara, constructed in the midst of a small pool in front of the stone, is reverently called Panja Sahib (Holy Palm). It remains one of the Sikhs’ most magnificent and venerated shrines. Wali Qandhari’s grave, atop the adjacent oblong hill, is also preserved.
References:
- Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927–1935.
- Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala, 1970.
- Kirpal Singh (Ed.), Janam Sakhi Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Amritsar, 1962.
- Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus, Sacred Writings, and Authors. Oxford, 1909.
