Vishwakarma, the supreme architect of the heavens, holds a hallowed place in the realm of divine craftsmanship and celestial artistry. It is he who, with his supreme knowledge and skilled hands, crafted the splendid palaces that house the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Not only did he shape the abodes of gods and goddesses, but he also forged their divine weapons and fashioned their magnificent celestial vehicles. Hence, Vishwakarma is revered as the patron deity of all artisans, craftsmen, and engineers.
Every year, in a sacred celebration that resonates through the cosmos, we commemorate the birth anniversary of the divine artisan, Vishwakarma. This celestial festival unfolds on the day of Kanya Sankranti, also known as Kanya Sankramanam. In 2023, the blessed Vishwakarma Puja shall grace us on September 17.
Upon this auspicious day, artisans and engineers gather in humble reverence to offer their heartfelt prayers to Lord Vishwakarma. With unwavering devotion, they seek his divine blessings, beseeching for a year filled with prosperity and success in their noble pursuits.
In the eastern states, this celebration is known as 'Biswakarma Puja,' marking the culmination of the Bengali Bhadra month. It is also celebrated as 'Kanya Sankranti' or 'Bhadra Sankranti.' In the heart of India, the moment of Vishwakarma Puja Sankranti shall manifest at the celestial hour of 1:34 PM on September 17.
This puja is a beacon of hope for artisans and engineers, believed to usher in good fortune and triumph in their chosen crafts. Vishwakarma Jayanti is a time of unrestrained exuberance for labourers, carpenters, mechanics, craftsmen, and all those toiling in their various trades. Special prayers resonate in the hallowed precincts of shops, factories, offices, and workplaces, consecrating the tools of their profession.
Throughout the land, temples and workplaces alike are aglow with devotion, resounding with the sacred chants and rituals performed to honour the divine architect. Artisans, in a gesture of profound reverence, set aside their tools during the puja, for these instruments are symbolic of the divine gifts bestowed upon them by Lord Vishwakarma himself. And in ornate pandals, effigies of Lord Vishwakarma, accompanied by his majestic elephant vehicle, are lovingly enshrined, serving as the focal point for the sacred ceremonies that unfold.
As we celebrate Vishwakarma Puja, we acknowledge the eternal bond between the creators and their creations, seeking blessings for a year filled with creativity, success, and divine inspiration. In honouring the divine artisan of the gods, we pay homage to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and engineering that shapes our world.