“Om Vishwakarmane Namah”
Vishwakarma Puja is the special occasion when we offer our prayers to the master architect, Lord Vishwakarma. This is the day when all the craftsmen show reverence by offering prayers to the deity. Vishwakarma Puja is observed on the last day of the Bhadra month and therefore it is also known as Bhadra or Kanya Sankranti. This year, Vishwakarma Jayanti or Vishwakarma Puja falls on the Wednesday 17th of September 2025.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishwakarma is known as the ‘Dev Shilpi’ or divine architect who created this universe, earth and heaven. Son of Brahma, the creator, Vishwakarma is known to be the architect of all heavenly palaces in which the gods lived. He is also known to be the force who built weapons and flying chariots used by the celestial beings. The special fiery weapon, Agneyastra, Indra’s powerful weapon, Vajra and many strong missiles used by different gods were all made by Vishwakarma. In Rigveda, Vishwakarma has been described as a god with extraordinary power and a multi-dimensional creative vision. Heaven or Swarga in Satya Yuga, the city of Lanka where Ravana resided in Treta Yuga or the famous City of Dwarka where Shree Krishna ruled in Dwapara Yuga would not have been built, if Vishwakarma was not present. It was his creative genius which led to the invention of Sthapatya Veda, the science of architecture.
The Puranas have recorded Tvastri in the name of Vishwakarma. In Vishnu Purana, he is credited of being the ‘author of a 1000 arts, the mechanist of gods, the fabricator of ornaments, the ruler of artists, the constructor of auto-driven chariots of the deities by whose power men gain subsistence.’ Whether it is the golden abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati or the magnificent city of Dwarka, each of His creations captivated the beholder with its artistic grandeur.
Vishwakarma puja is mainly observed in offices, workshops and factories in the industrial areas. Craftsmen, artisans, industrial workers, mechanics, carpenters, welders, factory workers and other workers pray to Lord Vishwakarma to attain success in their field of work as well as enjoy a safe professional environment and happiness in life. On this auspicious day, the work places are cleaned well. The machines are also cleaned and oiled by the factory workers. On this festive day, regular work is stopped and all the employees and workers of the factory participate in the pooja rituals.
People decorate their workplace with a lot of enthusiasm. The offices, shops and factories are adorned with flowers and other decorations. An image or idol of Lord Vishwakarma is installed at a pandal created within the premises of the workplace. The image of Lord Vishwakarma is white in colour, holds a club in his right hand and tools in his left hand, wears a crown on his head, a necklace in his neck and rides on an elephant. All the equipment and tools used by the workers are placed before the deity while the puja is done by chanting Vedic mantras. By doing so, the workers seek blessings from Vishwakarma for themselves and their tools too. In the evening, all the workers come together to perform the aarti ceremony. It is believed that by putting a dot of haldi and kumkum on the machines as a ritual prevents accidents, ensures smooth functioning of the machinery and a safe working environment. The day of Vishwakarma pooja is also considered fortunate to begin a new venture. An ‘akhand diya’ (earthen lamp burning uninterrupted) is placed before the deity and is allowed to burn the whole night. The next day, as part of the immersion rituals, the image of Lord Vishwakarma is immersed into a water body by the devotees.
Doing charity on this day brings good fortune for the employers. After the pooja is done, it is time for the distribution of Prasad. In many workplaces, a feast is also organized for all the workers. One of the most cherishing moments of this festival is when both the workers and owners of the organization sit and enjoy the delicious food together. Many factory owners give gifts and annual bonus to the workers on this day as an acknowledgement for their hard labour throughout the year.
One of the most thrilling aspects of this occasion is kite flying. People take a break from their mundane life and indulge in the fun of flying kites. Many kite flying competitions are also held in which people participate with a lot of excitement. The sky is set ablaze with multi-coloured kites of various shapes and sizes and it turns into a wonderful sight.
Apart from religious significance, Vishwakarma Puja also exemplifies the power of artistic excellence and grandeur.
Vacaspatim visvakarmanamutaye manojuvam vaje asyahuvema
Sa no visvani havanani josada visvasambhuravase sadhukarma
(Rig Veda X.81.7)
Let us seek blessings today to help our labour, the thought-swift Vishwakarma, the Lord of speech. May, he who grants bliss to those whose works are righteous, kindly listen to all our prayers.