Omkar Dattatray
The Vishwakarma Day is being celebrated today on 16th of September 2024,Monday especially by artisans ,craftsmen and labor class with devotion and dedicated to gods architect and engineer with great enthusiasm and gaiety .Vishwakarma is rightly known as Dav Shalpi .Lord Vishwakarma who is considered to be the universes first architect is honored on this day ,and Hindus celebrate this day by paying their respect to Vishwakarma .On this occasion Vishwakrma is remembered, honored and worshipped. Vishwakarma Puja ,also rendered Vishwakarma Jayanti is a Hindu observance dedicated to Vishwakarma ,the architect of the gods .It falls on the date of Kanya Sankrati of the Hindu calendar .It is a religious observance and a celebration of the creativity ,talent ,and hard work of artisans ,craftsmen and even laborers .The festival holds great importance across many parts of the country. It is primarily observed by those engaged in various crafts ,including artisans ,engineers ,architects ,mechanics and factory workers .As said above Vishwakama Puja coincides with Kanya Sankranti ,also known as Bhadra Sankranti in the Bengali calendar. As per Drik Panchang ,the Sankranti timing begins at 7.53 PM .It is a day dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma ,revered as the divine architect of the universe .The skills and craftsmanship of artisans ,engineers ,and workers in various industries are celebrated on this occasion. Some factories and workshops give craftsmen a holiday on Vishwakarma Jayanti ,while others honor the deity by worshipping his image and distributing sweets among workers .Vishwakarma Jayanti emphasizes the value of all forms of labor ,no matter how modest ,as a significant contribution to society .It also marks the start of new ventures ,the inauguration of factories and workshops ,and the ritual worship of tools and machinery .The origins of Vishwakarma Jayanti can be traced to ancient Indian scriptures, with some of the earliest mentions found in Rigveda ,one of Hinduisms oldest sacred texts .Over time ,the festival evolved into a significant event for artisans ,craftsmen ,and workers to honor Lord Vishwakarma ,seeking his blessings for Skill ,creativity and success in their respective trades. .Toda’y Vishwakarma Jyanti represents India’s cultural heritage and highlights the importance of skilled labor in the development and progress of society .Hindus celebrate this day paying their respects to Lord Vishwakarma by paying their respects to Lord Vishwakarma .Lord Vishwakarma is also believed to be the creator of the trident of Mahadev ,Sudarshan Chakra and various divine weapons .Moreover ,he is also credited with the creation of celestial realms like Indradev’s heaven and remarkable structures like Lord Krishna’s palace in Dwarka and the golden city of Lanka lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati .The celebration of Lord Vishwakarma’s birth holds significant importance in Hinduism ,particularly for engineers ,artisans ,laborers ,factory workers ,carpenters ,architects and sculptors .It marks a crucial day for them to honor Lord Vishwakarma and seek his blessings for success in their professions ,businesses and endeavours. This auspicious occasion serves as a time of appreciation and gratitude ,where people acknowledge the divine craftsmanship that shapes our world .On Vishwakarma Jayanti ,devotees begin their day by waking up early ,taking a bath and changing into fresh clothes before sunrise .People clean their home ,factory ,shop and perform Puja.Ganga water is used to purify the space .Rangoli is made ,and Vishwakarma’s idol is placed in the temple .A lamp with desi ghee is lit , and flowers are offered to him. Mantras such as ”Om Aadhar Shaktpe Namah,” Om Kumayi Namah,” and ”Om Anantam Namah,” are recited on this day .Afterwards ,tools ,machinery and spare parts associated with business are worshipped during the Puja.Vishwakarma Puja , also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti or Vishwakarma Day ,is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma ,the divine architect of the universe. Celebrated with reverence by artisans and craftsmen ,it marks a day of prayers and rituals ,where people seek blessings for success in their business .This day holds special significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Vishwakarma ,who is believed to have created holy city of Dwarka and forged powerful weapons for the gods Vishwakarma Puja is observed across India by craftsmen ,architects ,engineers ,and mechanics .Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped as the god of creation ,architecture, and mechanical work .On this day ,devotees express their gratitude to the deity for their skills and seek his blessings for progress and prosperity in their respective fields .The Puja is especially important for workers who rely on tools and machinery in their daily work ,as it is believed that worshipping these instruments brings success and ensures their smooth functioning .Thus Vishwakaema Puja holds great religious and cultural importance ,particularly for those in professions related to craftsmanship and engineering .It is a day dedicated to honoring skills ,tools, and the progress they bring to people’s lives. This festival is also celebrated in Nepal. Vishwakarm Puja is also celebrated a day after Diwali, along with Govardhan Puja in October-November .Vishwakarma is described in Rigveda as the personification of divine creativity .He is credited with the construction of the city of Dvaraka for Krishna ,the Palace of Indraprastha for the Pandavas ,and many fabulous weapons for the gods ,such as the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu ,the trishula of Shiva ,and the lance of Kartikeya .He is also regarded to have authored the Sthapatya Veda ,the science of mechanics and architecture .He is regarded to be the patron deity of all craftsmen ,with implements of trade often venerated in his honor on this occasion .The festival is observed primarily in factories and industrial areas ,often on the shop floor. The day is marked by artisans ,craftsmen ,mechanics ,smiths , and above all ,success in their respective fields. Workers also pray for the smooth functioning of various machines .The workers associate their workmanship with the concept of Shakti-power ,and sometimes see themselves as the children of Vishwakarma .Shrines for the deity are constructed in parts of the workspace for the veneration of tools and machines associated with the line of work .Prasada is often distributed among workers after offering veneration to the deity for his grace. Let us continue to celebrate Vishwakarma day with devotion and fervor in honor of the deity so that he may shower blessings upon us.
(The writer is a columnist,social and KP activist)