Vishwakarma Puja: Date, Significance, and Traditions

Every year, on Kanya Sankranti—September 17 (Ashoj 1)—Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated. This day is believed to mark the birth of Lord Vishwakarma, also called Vishwakarma Jayanti.

In Nepal, India, and other Hindu regions, this festival is observed with devotion and joy. On this day, industries, factories, and all types of machinery are worshipped. Artisans, craftsmen, industrial workers, merchants, and laborers participate in the celebration.

Many factories remain closed on this day, and people perform special rituals in honor of Lord Vishwakarma.

Who Is Lord Vishwakarma?

Hindu scriptures state that Lord Shiva assigned Brahma and Vishnu their responsibilities of creation and preservation. To fulfill his role in creation, Brahma commanded his divine descendant, Vishwakarma, to design the universe.

Vishwakarma is regarded as the world’s first engineer and architect. He is credited with designing the three realms—Patala (underworld), Martya (earthly plane), and Swarga (heaven).

His significance is highlighted in the Rigveda, which contains eleven hymns dedicated to him. His creations include Swargaloka in Satya Yuga, Lanka in Treta Yuga, Dwarka in Dwapar Yuga, and the great idols of Jagannath in Kali Yuga.

Spiritual Importance of Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma represents the creative power behind all forms of work that sustain life. Worshipping him is believed to bring natural energy, remove obstacles, and inspire individuals to work diligently.

Every festival has a religious, cultural, social, and even scientific reason behind its celebration. Vishwakarma Puja, in particular, reminds us of the importance of tools, technology, and human creativity.

Worship and Traditions

In Janakpur and other regions, devotees worship despite heavy rainfall and waterlogged streets. According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishwakarma is the deity of machines and technology.

People clean and decorate their workplaces, factories, workshops, and vehicles. Flags, flowers, and ribbons are used for decoration. Machines and tools are cleaned, painted, and worshipped.

There is a belief that worshipping machines on this day ensures their long-lasting performance. People also believe that cleaning and maintaining machines pleases Lord Vishwakarma.

Mythological Accounts and Contributions

• Divine Engineer: Vishwakarma helped Brahma in creating the blueprint of the universe.

• Golden Lanka: He built the golden city of Lanka for Lord Shiva, which was later gifted to Ravana. After Hanuman burned it, Ravana summoned Vishwakarma again to rebuild it.

• Indraprastha and Dwarka: He is credited with building Indraprastha, the palace of the Pandavas, and Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna.

• Divine Weapons and Tools: He crafted Indra’s Vajra, Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, Shiva’s Trishul, Yama’s Kaladanda, and many divine chariots, including the Pushpaka Vimana.

Because of these contributions, Vishwakarma is worshipped as the father of architecture and engineering.

Cultural and Social Relevance

Traditionally, only artisans and craftsmen worshipped Vishwakarma. Today, the practice has spread to households where people worship machines, vehicles, and tools.

This day is considered auspicious for buying new machinery, vehicles, or tools. It is also known as a day for acquiring weapons and seeking protection from accidents.

Celebration in Modern Times

In Nepal, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in factories, workshops, service centers, garages, and iron shops. Machines are cleaned and painted before rituals are performed.

Devotees offer laddus, coconuts, fruits, and special sweets. Idols or pictures of Vishwakarma are worshipped with full Vedic rituals. The following day, the idol is taken to a nearby river for immersion with music and procession.

Philosophical Meaning

Vishwakarma symbolizes hard work and creativity. Scriptures describe him as the divine engineer who provided humanity with tools and weapons to survive.

Hindu belief emphasizes that God resides not only in temples or heavens but also in the heart of a hardworking devotee. This makes Vishwakarma a symbol of labor, dedication, and craftsmanship.

Universal Message of Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma Jayanti encourages respect for all forms of skilled labor and technological innovation. It reminds society to honor those who build homes, roads, bridges, and tools that sustain civilization.

The festival inspires unity, equality, and a sense of purpose, encouraging individuals to work for the progress of humanity.