Hassan Abdal is a city in Punjab, Pakistan, that has a rich history and culture. It is home to several important religious and historical sites, including the Gurdwara Panja Sahib, which is a Sikh pilgrimage site, and the Taxila Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Taxila.
The city is also located near the intersection of two major highways, the Karakoram Highway and the M1 Motorway, which makes it a convenient stopover for travellers.
Graana.com provides an overview of Hassan Abdal’s history, culture, attractions, and how to get there.
History of Hassan Abdal
Xuanzang, a well-known Chinese traveller who visited Hassan Abdal in the early 7th century, wrote about a sacred spring about 70 kilometres (about 43.5 mi) northwest of Taxila. This spring is believed to be the one at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
The city of Hassan Abdal is also mentioned in ‘Ain-i-Akbari’, a book written by Akbar’s court historian. The book states that Shams al-Din built a vault in Hassan Abdal, where Hakim Abu’l Fath is buried. The book also mentions that Akbar visited Hassan Abdal while returning home from Kashmir.
Hassan Abdal was a strategic military base for the Mughals during their campaigns on the northwestern frontier. Mughal emperor Jahangir visited Hassan Abdal, whom he called Baba Hasan Abdal, and stayed for three days. Jahangir praised the city for its clear, sweet spring water. Various Mughal kings visited Hasan Abdal on their way to Kashmir.
According to folk history, the name Hasan Abdal comes from a story about a Gujjar named Hasan and a Faqir named Abdal. Hasan had many buffaloes, and Abdal asked him for some milk. Hasan gave him the milk freely, and Abdal was grateful.
Abdal asked Hasan what he could do for him in return, and Hasan said that they were very short of water. Abdal then struck two nearby hills, and two streams of water flowed forth. The people of the area were so grateful to Abdal for providing them with water that they named the place Hasan Abdal.
Weather in Hassan Abdal
Hassan Abdal has a hot, dry climate. The summers are long and hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters are short and mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.
The average annual rainfall in Hasan Abdal is around 15 inches. Most of the rain falls during the winter months. The humidity is generally low, but it can be high during the summer months.
The wind in Hassan Abdal typically blows from the southwest. The wind can be strong, especially during the summer months.
Hassan Abdal Postal Code
The postal code for Hassan Abdal, Pakistan is 43730. The postal code system in Pakistan is still in the process of being implemented, so it is possible that some businesses or organisations in Hasan Abdal may not yet be using the postal code.
However, it is always best to use the postal code when sending mail to Hassan Abdal, as it will help to ensure that your mail is delivered quickly and accurately. To use the postal code, simply write it at the end of the address on the envelope or package.
Hassan Abdal Map
Hassan Abdal Weather
- Hot Summers (June – August):
- Average highs: Around 38°C (100°F)
- Average lows: Around 25°C (77°F)
- Rain: Low chance of rain, typically less than 1 inch (25 mm) total for the entire summer.
- Mild Winters (December – February):
- Average highs: Around 17°C (63°F)
- Average lows: Around 5°C (41°F)
- Rain: Still low chance of rain, but slightly more than summer months.
- Spring and Autumn (March – May & September – November):
- Temperatures: These seasons are transitional, with temperatures gradually increasing in spring and decreasing in autumn. They typically fall between the summer and winter averages mentioned above.
- Rain: Chance of rain remains low, but may be slightly higher than summer or winter.
Gurdwara
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited Hassan Abdal in 1521. A gurdwara called Panja Sahib was built on the site where he stayed. It contains a sacred rock that is believed to have Guru Nanak’s handprint on it. There are different stories about how the handprint got there.
Education
A variety of public and private schools provide education in this town. The public schools are funded by the government and are free to attend. The private schools charge tuition fees.
There are several primary schools in this neighourhood, as well as a few secondary schools and higher education institutions. The secondary schools offer a variety of academic and vocational programs. Higher education institutions offer degrees in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, and medicine.
Here are some of the notable educational institutions in this neighbourhood:
- Cadet College Hassan Abdal
- Government College Hassan Abdal
- Presentation Convent School Hassan Abdal
- Beaconhouse School System Hassan Abdal
- Allied School Hassan Abdal
Route
There are a few different routes to Hassan Abdal from Islamabad. The most common route is to take the M1 Motorway to the Hassan Abdal Interchange. From there, it is a short drive to the city centre.
Another option is to take the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) to Hassan Abdal. The GT Road is a major highway that runs through Pakistan, and it is a good option if you are coming from Lahore or Rawalpindi.
If you are coming from Peshawar, you can take the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway to the Hassan Abdal Interchange. From there, it is a short drive to the city centre.
Here are the detailed directions for each route:
1st Route (via M1 Motorway)
- From Islamabad, take the M1 Motorway towards Peshawar.
- Take the Hassan Abdal Interchange.
- Follow the signs to Hassan Abdal.
2nd Route (via GT Road)
- From Islamabad, take the GT Road towards Peshawar.
- Follow the signs to Hassan Abdal.
3rd Route (via Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway)
- From Peshawar, take the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway towards Islamabad.
- Take the Hassan Abdal Interchange.
- Follow the signs to your destination.
Once you arrive in this town, you can easily get around by car or taxi. There are also several buses that run between Hassan Abdal and Islamabad.
Top Places to Visit in Hassan Abdal
These are the few places that you can visit in this town:
Khanpur Dam
Khanpur Dam is a large dam located near Hassan Abdal city, Pakistan. It is the largest dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is used for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
The dam is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking on the dam’s shores. There is also a tourist centre where visitors can learn more about the dam and its history.
Taxila Museum
Taxila Museum is a museum located nearby. It houses a collection of artefacts from the ancient city of Taxila, which was a major centre of learning and culture during the Gandhara period.
The museum’s collection includes sculptures, coins, pottery, and other artefacts from the Gandhara period. Visitors can learn about the history of Taxila and the Gandhara culture by viewing the museum’s collection.
Dharma Rajika Stupa and Monastery
Dharma Rajika Stupa and Monastery is a Buddhist complex located near Hassan Abdal. It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Pakistan. The complex includes a large stupa, a monastery, and several other buildings. The stupa is believed to contain the relics of the Buddha. The monastery was once a centre of Buddhist learning and scholarship.
Visitors can learn about the history of Buddhism in Pakistan by visiting Dharma Rajika Stupa and Monastery. They can also see the stupa and monastery’s impressive architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I get to Hassan Abdal?
A: The most convenient way to get to this area is by car or taxi. There are also several buses that run between Hassan Abdal and Islamabad.
Q: What is the best time to visit Hassan Abdal?
A: The best time to visit this town is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. However, the town can be visited year-round.
Q: What are some of the cultural experiences I can have in Hassan Abdal?
A: It is a multicultural town, with a population that includes Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. The town is also home to several religious minorities, including Hindus and Buddhists. There are several mosques, gurdwaras, and churches in Hassan Abdal, and the town celebrates a variety of religious festivals. Visitors can also experience the town’s culture by visiting its markets and bazaars, and by interacting with the locals.
Q: What are some of the food and drink options I can find in Hassan Abdal?
A: It has a variety of food and drink options, reflecting the town’s multicultural population. Visitors can find traditional Pakistani dishes, as well as dishes from other South Asian countries, such as India and Bangladesh. There are also a few restaurants that serve international cuisine.
In addition to restaurants, there are also a few street food stalls in this neighourhood where visitors can sample a variety of snacks and dishes.
Q: Is Hassan Abdal safe to visit?
A: It is generally a safe place to visit. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to protect yourself from petty theft. Visitors should also avoid traveling to this town during times of unrest or political instability.
For more related information, visit Graana.com.
