Panja Sahib — Stopping the Boulder

In the harsh summer heat, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana arrived at Hasan Abdal. Bhai Mardana was extremely thirsty. The only source of fresh water was a spring at the top of a hill, controlled by an arrogant Sufi saint named Wali Qandhari.

Bhai Mardana climbed the hill and politely asked for water. Wali Qandhari, seeing they were travelers of a different faith who did not acknowledge his superiority, refused. He told Mardana, "If your Guru is so great, let him provide water for you."

Mardana returned disappointed, but Guru Nanak smiled and asked him to lift a small stone nearby. As Mardana moved the stone, a cool spring of pure water gushed forth from the ground! At the same moment, Wali Qandhari's spring at the top of the hill dried up.

Infuriated by this miracle, Wali Qandhari used his physical strength to push a massive boulder down the steep hill, aiming to crush Guru Nanak and Mardana at the bottom.

As the huge rock hurtled toward them, Guru Nanak remained perfectly calm. He raised his right hand. When the boulder struck his hand, it stopped instantly. The solid rock melted slightly, leaving the deep imprint of the Guru's hand (Panja) embedded in it.

Wali Qandhari's pride was shattered. He came down, fell at Guru Nanak's feet, and begged for forgiveness. Guru Nanak taught him that true spiritual power lies in humility and serving humanity, not in arrogance and hoarding resources.