The ancient hindu puranas stand as a testament to the fact that there has been a divine architect who created the earth and the entire celestial universe. When there was no land, no water or any other sign of life, Lord Vishwakarma crafted everything. The Vishwakarma Jayanti, also known as the Biswakarma Puja, is performed to celebrate the birth of this holy deity.
According to the Moola Stambha Purana, even before Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh came into existence, Lord Vishwakarma created himself. He is also known as ‘Swayambhu’ which is a Sanskrit word for self made or one who manifests himself. The Vishwakarma Puja is thus celebrated to honour the heavenly creator - Lord Vishwakarma.
According to the ancient scriptures, Lord Vishwakarma has 5 faces (Sadyojaata, Vaamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Ishana). Out of these 5 faces he made five Prajapatis namely Manu, Maya, Twosta, Silpy and Viswajna. People often ask “Who is the Vishwakarma caste?” They are basically five separate Rishis who are the Gothra Rishis of the Vishwakarma caste created by the Devashilpi himself.
Significance of Vishwakarma Puja
In the Rig Veda, Lord Vishwakarma is addressed as the God-like carpenter who is also identified as Sthapayta Veda. He is thus an establishment of knowledge in the entire universe. Amongst the best of his creations, he also formed Shiva’s trishul, Vijay Dhanusha of Arjuan and the city of Indraprastha on the west of river Yamuna. History also points that Swarga in the Satya Yuga, Lanka in the Treta Yug and Dwarka in the Dwapar Yug were built by him.
The Vishwakarma Puja is generally observed on the day of Kanya Sankranti. It is considered highly auspicious and significant by people who are in the business of manufacture and machinery. Individuals are spiritually enthusiastic in praying for the smooth functioning of their assets. They believe that Lord Vishwakarma will shower wealth, success and an overflowing business in future. If any devotee has the desire to open a new office, increase productivity, get rid of negativity or start any kind of new business venture, it is suggested to worship Bhagwan Vishwakarma on this day.
Vishwakarma Puja Celebrations
Devotees on this day celebrate by offering prayers and decorating with flowers in the markets, factories and their workplaces. They worship Lord Vishwakarma and his vehicle, which is the elephant. His idol is placed in pandals, where the worshippers perform rituals and distribute prasad.
Worshipping tools and instruments on this day hold a special significance, often leading to workplaces being closed for the celebrations. In many places communal lunches are organised for workers. A unique tradition on this day is kite flying, which is believed to honour Lord Vishwakarma’s craftsmanship, especially his creation of flying chariots (such as Pushpak Viman for Lord Kuber) and weapons for the gods.
Vishwakarma Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
- Begin your day by waking up early in the morning and taking a bath.
- Later clean all the tools and machinery used by you in your workspace or business.
- Wear a fresh set of clothes and perform puja of all the instruments.
- During the Puja, keep a picture of Lord Vishwakarna along with Lord Vishnu.
- Prepare an ashtadal rangoli and place 7 types of grains on the rangoli.
- Devotees are suggested to offer gulal, turmeric, fruits, flowers, nuts and sweets to the deity.
- During puja, you need to fill a kalash with Jal and keep it with you.
- Chant, “Om Shri Srishtanaya Sarvasiddaya Vishwakarmaaya Namo Namah”, with great devotion.
- At last perform aarti and ensure that all the members – employees, family and friends are a part of it.
Conclusively, whether you’re an artist looking to polish your skills, or a worker who wishes to boost their productivity, being a part of the Vishwakarma Puja is the best way to achieve these goals. Worship Lord Vishwakarma to develop a better life, become efficient and get profitable results.
