New Delhi: The Hindu God Vishwakarma is considered the divine architect. The Vishwakarma Puja or Vishwakarma Jayanti celebrates his birth anniversary and is significant to people who work with heavy machinery or any kind of equipment. It is celebrated on 'Kanya Sankranti' of the Hindu Calendar and falls on September 17 this year.
The festival is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka. Outside India, it is celebrated in Nepal. The puja commonly takes place at workstations, commercial places, factories, mills and offices.
Puja Muhurat
As per Drik Panchang, the Vishwakarma puja muhurat will begin at 7:36 am on September 17.
Puja Vidhi
For the puja, clay idols and portraits are placed at workplaces such as factories, offices and other commercial establishments. Mantras are chanted near the machine and the idol of Vishwakarma and people offer flowers and sweets to seek the blessings of the god. He is worshipped mainly by artisans, craftsmen, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers, and factory workers among others. They pray for a better future, safe working conditions and success.
Significance
Lord Vishwakarma, the son of Brahma, is considered the original creator of the universe, he is believed to have existed a few days before he created the world. Lord Vishwakarma is believed to have built the holy city of Dwarka, where Krishna ruled, the palace of Indraprastha for the Pandavas, and was the creator of weapons for the gods. He is also called the divine carpenter as mentioned in the Rig Veda. He is also credited with Sthapatya Veda, the science of mechanics and architecture. He is celebrated as the main god of engineers and architects or those who are involved in the field of construction.