Vishvakarma is the Hindu deity of crafts and architecture and is largely worshipped by Hindu artisan and craft communities. In the Puranas and Itihasas, Vishvakarma is credited for designing Krishna’s Dwarka, the Pandava’s Indraprastha and Ravana’s Lanka as well as creating the weapons of the great Devas such as Vishnu’s Chakra and Shiva’s Trishula.
Vishvakarma has inspired generations of skilled Hindu craftspeople, particularly carpenters, blacksmiths, stonemasons, bronzesmiths, and goldsmiths. Collectively known as Vishvakarmas, these five communities were highly sought after when Hindu civilisation was at its peak of economic and military strength. In addition to driving the development of temple building, these communities played a critical role in Bharat’s trade with the rest of the ancient world. In contemporary Hindu society, Vishwakarma is now worshipped by mechanics, welder, engineers etc., with his puja performed in factories and workshops.
Vishvakarma’s annual puja is observed today as per the Hindu solar calendar (Kanya Sankranti) and is particularly significant in the Eastern region of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In other parts of Bharat Vishvakarma’s festival is observed in the month of Magha or during Diwali.
Image courtesy of Ramakrishna Mission Narrottam Nagar