Vishwakarma Puja, also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti, is an important
festival celebrated by the Hindu community. On this day, the divine architect
or the architect of the Gods, Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped. The festival
falls on the last day of Bhadra, known as Bhadra Sankranti. During this time,
the sun leaves the Simha rashi (Leo) and enters the Kanya rashi (Virgo) so the
day is also known as Kanya Sankranti Diwas.
As per Hindu religious belief,
Lord Vishwakarma, regarded as the creator of the world, constructed Dwarka
where Lord Krishna ruled. He is also credited with Sthapatya Veda, the science
of architecture and mechanics.
According to legends, the son of
Vastu Dev and Goddess Angisri, Lord Vishwakarma is also said to have constructed
Ravana's Pushpak Vimana, Lord Shiva's Trishul, Indra's Vajra (thunderbolt),
Maya Sabha for the Pandavas, and Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra. The famous
Jagannath temple in Puri is also believed to be his creation. Other than this,
he also built the city of Lanka and Indraprastha. In some texts, he is often
stated to be the son of Brahma, whereas in others, he is called the son of
Vastu.
Since Viswakarma is the creator
of the world, it is believed by many that he existed before everything and he do
not have any birthdays. They celebrate his commemoration day on Rishi Panchami
Dinam on which his five children (Five Rishis) came together to pray to
illustrious father.
Significance of
Vishwakarma Puja
The festival is primarily
observed by shops, factories, and industries. On this occasion, workers of
factories and industrial areas worship their tools and offer prayers to Lord
Vishwakarma to keep their livelihoods secure. They pray for the smooth
functioning of machines and refrain from using their tools on the day of
Vishwakarma Puja.
On this occasion, pictures and
special statues of Lord Vishwakarma are installed in factories and workplaces.
The day is mainly celebrated in the Eastern part of the
country in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, and
Jharkhand. India's neighbor, Nepal also celebrates Vishwakarma Puja.
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