Special Feature on Vishwakarma Jayanti

Lord Vishwakarma: Considered the First Engineer of Creation

Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora

Vishwakarma Puja is a major festival celebrated across India. On this day, special prayers and rituals are performed in factories, workshops and various workplaces to honor labor, craftsmanship and technical skill and to seek blessings for the year ahead. Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated annually on the day of Kanya Sankranti, which is traditionally regarded as the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma. Hence, the occasion is also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti.

Vishwakarma Puja is particularly associated with craftspeople, artisans, engineers, architects, industrial workers and laborers. Lord Vishwakarma is revered as the divine architect and master craftsman of the gods. According to Hindu tradition, he is regarded as the architect of the cosmos, the creator of magnificent celestial cities and structures, and the deity of construction and creation. He is also popularly described as the first engineer.

The name Vishwakarma is derived from two words: Vishwa (world or universe) and Karma (creator or doer). Thus, the name broadly signifies the creator or maker of the universe.

Symbol of Creativity, Skill and Innovation

Lord Vishwakarma symbolizes creativity, technical skill, craftsmanship and innovation. Vishwakarma Jayanti is observed on the occasion of Surya Kanya Sankranti, when the Sun transitions from the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha) to Virgo (Kanya).

On this day, workers, artisans, engineers, architects and industrialists worship their tools, instruments, machinery and equipment. According to mythological traditions, Vishwakarma constructed numerous cities, palaces and other magnificent structures during the four Yugas, or cosmic ages.

Vishwakarma is also regarded as the inventor and supreme authority of Shilpa Shastra, the traditional science of architecture, craftsmanship and the arts. Ancient texts associated with this tradition contain descriptions of architecture, construction, vehicles such as chariots, and the properties and uses of gemstones. It is also believed that Vishwakarma designed the celestial vehicles, or Vimanas, of the gods.

The origins of Vishwakarma are traced to the Rigveda, where Vishwakarma is described as the architect of the universe. References associated with the Vishwakarman Sukta have also been linked with later theological concepts concerning creation and the divine.

Vishwakarma and Vastu Shastra

The Vishwakarma Prakash is regarded as an important text associated with Vastu Shastra, the traditional science of architecture and spatial design. It incorporates architectural principles and mathematical calculations.

According to various traditions, many of the legendary structures of Hindu mythology were created by Lord Vishwakarma. His birth and origin are described differently in different texts and traditions. Some accounts associate him with the lineage of Lord Brahma, while others connect his emergence with the Samudra Manthan, or Churning of the Ocean.

Vishwakarma is regarded in some traditions as a descendant of Lord Brahma. According to one traditional genealogy, Brahma’s son was Dharma, Dharma’s son was Vastu Dev, and Vastu Dev was regarded as the progenitor of Shilpa Shastra. Vishwakarma was born to Vastu Dev and his wife, Angirasi. Following in his father’s footsteps, Vishwakarma became a master of architecture and craftsmanship.

His sons—Manu, Maya, Tvashta, Shilpi and Devagya—are traditionally associated with different disciplines of architecture and craftsmanship.

The Divine Architect

Vishwakarma is revered as a Vedic deity and as Devashilpi, or the Divine Architect. He is associated with the creation of many amenities and structures essential to human life and the Grihastha Ashram, or householder stage.

Because of his extraordinary knowledge and craftsmanship, Vishwakarma is revered by both humans and the gods. Deities, Asuras, Yakshas and Gandharvas are also said to hold him in high esteem.

The worship of Vishwakarma before commencing a technical or industrial undertaking reflects the importance traditionally attached to skill, craftsmanship and the tools of one’s profession. This is why tools, factory equipment and machinery are worshipped on Vishwakarma Jayanti.

Cities and Structures of Mythological India

According to various mythological accounts, Vishwakarma is credited with constructing the celestial cities associated with Indra, Yama, Varuna and Kubera. He is also traditionally associated with the construction of the golden city of Lanka, Lord Krishna’s oceanic city of Dwarka and the Pandavas’ capital, Indraprastha.

Mythological narratives offer fascinating accounts of the construction of these magnificent cities. The world-famous Jagannath Temple in Odisha is also associated in traditional belief with Vishwakarma’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Some religious traditions refer to Vishwakarma as Shilpavatar, the divine manifestation of architectural skill.

Indraprastha, where the Pandavas are said to have resided during the events of the Mahabharata, is traditionally believed to have been constructed by Vishwakarma. He is similarly credited in mythology with building Hastinapur, the seat of the Kaurava dynasty, and Dwarka, the city associated with Lord Krishna.

Thus, Vishwakarma is remembered in popular tradition as the architect of the celestial realms of Satya Yuga, Lanka of Treta Yuga, Dwarka of Dvapara Yuga and Hastinapur of Kali Yuga.

Creator of Divine Weapons

Lord Vishwakarma is also traditionally credited with creating several powerful weapons and instruments associated with Hindu mythology.

It is believed that he fashioned the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu, the Trishul of Lord Shiva and the Vajra, or thunderbolt, of Lord Indra. The Vajra is traditionally said to have been fashioned from the bones of Sage Dadhichi.

Vishwakarma is also associated in various traditions with the Pushpak Vimana, the celestial flying chariot, and with several other divine weapons and vehicles. The bow used in the story of Shri Ram and Sita’s Swayamvara is also traditionally attributed to him.

He is further believed to have constructed the chariot associated with Arjuna and the ceremonial pavilion and altar for the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The Golden Lanka

One of the most popular stories associated with Vishwakarma concerns the construction of Lanka.

According to tradition, Lord Shiva asked Vishwakarma to construct a magnificent golden palace for Goddess Parvati. After its construction, a consecration ceremony was performed, to which Ravana was invited. Ravana was so impressed by the grandeur of the palace that, when Lord Shiva asked him to choose his dakshina, or offering in return, he asked for the palace itself.

Lord Shiva granted his request and returned to the mountains. Thus, according to this popular account, the golden palace built by Vishwakarma eventually came into Ravana’s possession.

Vishwakarma is also said to have created the Vajra for Indra and the Sudarshan Chakra for Lord Vishnu, further reinforcing his image as the supreme craftsman of the divine world.

Significance of Vishwakarma Jayanti

Vishwakarma Jayanti holds special significance for India’s industrial sector as well as for artisans, craftspeople, engineers and workers. It is celebrated in several states and regions, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand. The festival is also celebrated with enthusiasm in Nepal.

The day is primarily observed in shops, factories, workshops and industrial establishments, where workers worship their tools and machinery. In many places, work is suspended for the day. Cultural activities and kite-flying are also associated with the festival in some regions.

The worship of Vishwakarma reflects the traditional belief that skill, labor, craftsmanship and technology are essential to human progress. Houses and commercial establishments constructed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra are traditionally believed to bring prosperity and harmony.

On Vishwakarma Jayanti, industrial workers and artisans pray for prosperity, safe working conditions and success in their respective professions. The occasion also provides an opportunity to recognize the dignity of labor and the contribution of skilled workers to society.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The significance of the festival has also acquired a contemporary dimension with the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023.

The scheme is intended to provide support to traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. It covers individuals engaged in 18 traditional trades and provides recognition through the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and identity card, skill verification, basic and advanced training, entrepreneurial support, toolkit incentives of up to ₹15,000 and loan assistance of up to ₹3 lakh.

Vishwakarma Jayanti, therefore, represents more than a religious observance. It celebrates the values of creativity, craftsmanship, technical knowledge and hard work. Lord Vishwakarma’s enduring image as the Divine Architect serves as a reminder of the important role played by artisans, engineers, workers and craftspeople in building and sustaining civilization.

(The author is an independent journalist accredited by the Government of Rajasthan.)