Lord Vishwakarma in Hindu mythology is the divine architect and craftsman. The very name ‘Vishwakarma’ in Sanskrit implies ‘all creating’. He stamped his marks through His works as a creator in all the four Yugas. In Satya Yuga, according to Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana, Lanka was originally built by the divine architect Vishwakarma. He also built Dwarka, the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna.

In Manasamangala Kavya it is found that Viswakarma was known to have been assigned with the onus of manufacturing well protected “Basarghar” (bridal chamber) to save Lakhindar, the son of great Shaivite Chand Soudagar, from the wrath of the lesser goddess Ma Manasa. But He was compelled to betray Chand as He being scared of Manasa left a fissure for Kalnagini to enter the bridal chamber and bite Lakhindar.

Besides, Vishwakarma was the manufacturer of the divine arms and ammunitions and chariots of the gods and goddesses. The great “Vajra”, that symbolizes the power of Devraj Indra, the king of Swarga, was manufactured by Vishwakarma. It was soldered with the bones of the sage Dadhichi to kill the Demon King Britrasur who deposed Devraj Indra and his associates from the throne of Heaven.  

According to the Rig Veda, Vishwakarma is visualized as the Ultimate Reality. From his navel all visible things Hiranyagarbha i.e. the ‘golden womb’ or ‘golden egg’ emanates. It is the source of the creation of universe or the manifested cosmos in Vedic philosophy. As the concept is also mentioned in the Vishvakarman Sūkta in Rigveda, Vishwakarma is appropriately believed as the creator of the Universe, too. In Yajurvedapurushasukta, it is found that divine smith Tvastar emerges from Vishwakarma. In the later puranic period this concept paved the way to the imagery of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Vishwakarma, according to Moolastambha purana, was created out of himself when there was no existence of Panchabhuta (five primary elements) earth, water, fire, air and ether. He is also identified as one of the seven rays of Surya. According to another scripture Vishwakarma is the eighth hermit of the legendary Ashtabasu.  It is also said that He was one of the fourteen precious things to be born out of the Samudra Mnthan (Sea Churning).

In Rigveda, Vishvakarman is identified as omniscient with eyes, faces, arms and feet on every side including wings. Brahma who is considered the creator of the universe resembles Vishvakarman in these aspects. Vishwakarma is also called the divine carpenter, and is credited with Sthapatya Veda, the science of mechanics and architecture. He revealed the sciences of industry to man and is the patron deity of all those who are engaged in productive enterprises.

The image of Vishwakarma has four hands adorned with a water pot, a book, a noose and craftsman’s tools. He is the symbol of both theoretical and practical knowledge. An ideal worker should be of the fusion of intellect and physical labor. Swan is the cult-animal of Vishwakarma. Again Vishwakarma is found seated on elephant or lotus. There are few temples dedicated exclusively to Vishwakarma. He is generally worshipped as the secondary deity in Vaishnava temples. According to Hindu Solar Calendar, Bhada Sankranti (the last day of the sixth month in Bengali almanac) is dedicated to as the Vishwakarma Divas. The auspicious day is also called Kanya Sankranti as the Sun God transits from Simha Rashi to Kanya Rahsi thit day.

The engineers, craftsmen, carpenters, mechanics, smiths, wielders, factory and industrial workers worship Lord Vishwakarma. He is worshipped for the safety of the factory, manufacturing units, machineries and betterment of the people working over there. The important tools and vehicles are also worshipped in the name of Vishwakarma. Even the electronic machineries, computers, laptops and servers are worshipped as they are all the extended form of technology and science invented by Lord Vishwakarma.

Vishwakarma is actually the Divine Engineer and chief architect of the universe. His presence is perceived among workers who build and manufacture everything to make this earth habitable and comfortable for living. Therefore, Vishwakarma puja is exclusively observed in factories, offices, garages, workshops, industrial units with pomp and grandeur. Vishwakarma is worshipped along with the tools and instruments of the workers. Industrial belts come alive with enthusiasm as the workers in many working units are given incentives and bonus. Puja pandels are generally erected in factory premises and work fields with the employees and their families enjoy the day.

Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tripura, Karnataka, Jharkhand are some the states where Vishwakarma is worshipped widely. The workers pray to the god to bless them with better future, safe working condition and smooth functioning of machines and tools they use during works. It is mandatory for the workers to clean their tools for worshipping them. Besides, they refrain from work to observe the day with devotion. To add fun to the day, kite flying in some states is a popular custom through which all and sundry enjoy boundless freedom.

With the introduction of industrialization and urbanization Vishwakarma puja took a larger shape. It was no longer confined among poor working classes in rural areas. The educated urbanites including engineers, architects, industrialists, medical men started observing the day. However, Vishwakarm puja is losing its charm and glory with the ever denuding number of industrial units followed by frequent lock outs, strikes and shut downs. Millions of workers losing their jobs find no solace in the worship of Vishwakarma anymore. Hope, Lord Vishwakarma will remove their grief soon.   

Mr. Buddhadev Nandi is a writer based in Bishnupur, West Bengal.