ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Lord Vishwa karma is God of Architecture. In the Rig Veda, Lord Vishwa karma is the heavenly architect of the entire universe. He is the embodiment of the creative power that welds earth and heaven together. Hindu people say as Lord Vishwa karma is the son of Brahma and is the architect of all gods’ palaces. He is also known as God of Creation.
He is decorated white and has a club in his right hand. He has wears a necklace of gold, a crown, and rings on his wrists as well as holds a book, a water-pot, a noose and craftsman’s tools in his left hand. He is the revealer of the science of architecture and mechanics. Lord Vishwa karma is called as Sthapatya Veda.
Lord Vishwakarma uses Pushpak Vimaan a flying chariot. His creations number of immortal places and weapons. He is the creator of Dwarka (the city of Lord Krishna), Lanka (Ravana’s kingdom), the town of Indraprastha and Hastinapur (the capital of the Pandavas and Kauravas). Sudarsana Chakra (the weapon of Lord Vishnu) and Agneyastra (fire weapon) are also among his great creations.
Mahabharata describes him as “The carpenter of the Gods, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the lord of the arts, the fashioner of all the ornaments, the most famous of artisans, on whose craft all menu manage to survive and is worshipped by all”. He is the presiding divinity of all the architects and craftsmen. This day is also known as the ‘Engineers’ Day’.
He is a great, an immortal god and worshipped by people all through. Lord Vishwakarma is accepted with muti hand. He is as superb as Lord Vishnu, Mahesh, Brahma because all scriptures worried with Hindu religion and contains episodes of his magnificent contributions.
In this world everything we see like airplanes, the reservoirs, big dams, skyscrapers, bridges and all kinds of mechanics around our life rotates are the product of Chisel and Hammer, which represent. Our legend history, humanity cannot refuse these particulars as it would be a betrayal.
Vishwakarma is considered as the master of all machinery equipments of gods. Lord Vishwakarma jayanti can be celebrated every year on 17th September of English Calendar year. The vishwakarma jayanti is also called as the national Labour Day of India. The festival is mainly celebrated in Orissa, Tripura and Bengal. In this day, Hindu performs Vishwakarma Puja to raise productivity and to obtain divinity stimulation in creating new products. Lord Vishwakarma is given special providing of worship on Annakoot day in the next day to Dipawali. On the day, the people workmen put down their tools.
Vishwakarma – The Architect of Gods
Vishwakarma (also spelled Biswakarma) is a Hindu god of craftsmanship and the architect of gods. He designed and created the palaces, aircraft, and divine weapons of gods. He is also the architect of the universe. There is a Purana called Vishwakarma Purana dedicated to him in which he is regarded as the creator of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Hindus celebrate his birthday on Kanya Sankranti, which is 16/17/18 September of Gregorian calendar as Vishwakarma Jayanti.
Meaning of the Word Vishwakarma:
The word Vishwakarma comprises of two words, viz. Vishwa (world or universe) and Karma (creator). Therefore, the word Vishwakarma means “the creator of the world”.
The Origin of Vishwakarma:
Lord Vishwakarma has origins in the Rigveda which mentions him as the creator of the universe (earth and heaven). There are two hymns dedicated to him. The concepts of Lord Brahma originating from the navel of Lord Vishnu and the Shiva lingam are based on Vishwakarman Sukta.
But some scholars believe that Vishwakarman in the Rig Veda is an attribute to various gods and not a person. It is also an epithet of to Supreme God, Brahman. Therefore, there is no god named Vishwakarma in the Vedas, but he is a Puranic god.
Following are the two hymns dedicated to him in the Rig Veda.
Book 10, Hymn LXXXI
1. HE who sate down as Hotar-priest, the Ṛṣi, our Father, offering up all things existing,—
He, seeking through his wish a great possession, came among men on earth as archetypal.
2. What was the place whereon he took his station? What was it that supported him? How was it?
Whence Visvakarman, seeing all, producing the earth, with mighty power disclosed the heavens.
3. He who hath eyes on all sides round about him, a mouth on all sides, arms, and feet on all sides,
He, the Sole God, producing earth and heaven, weldeth them, with his arms as wings, together.
4. What was the tree, what wood in sooth produced it, from which they fashioned out the earth and heaven?
Ye thoughtful men inquire within your spirit whereon he stood when he established all things.
5. Nine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid-most here, O Visvakarman,
Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, O Blessed, and come thyself, exalted, to our worship.
6. Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, O Visvakarman, Earth and Heaven to worship.
Let other men around us live in folly here let us have a rich and liberal patron.
7. Let us invoke to-day, to aid our labor, the Lord of Speech, the thought-swift Visvakarman.
May he hear kindly all our invocations who gives all bliss for aid, whose works are righteous.
Book 10, Hymn LXXXII
1. THE Father of the eye, the Wise in spirit, created both these worlds submerged in fatness.
Then when the eastern ends were firmly fastened, the heavens and the earth were far extended.
2. Mighty in mind and power is Visvakarman, Maker, Disposer, and most lofty Presence.
Their offerings joy in rich juice where they value One, only One, beyond the Seven Ṛṣis.
3. Father who made us, he who, as Disposer, knoweth all races and all things existing,
Even he alone, the deities’ narne-giver, him other beings seek for information.
4. To him in the sacrifice they offered treasures,—Ṛṣis of old, in numerous troops, as singers,
Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all these things that have existence.
5. That which is earlier than this earth and heaven, before the Asuras and Gods had being
What was the germ primeval which the waters received where all the Gods were seen together?
6. The waters, they received that germ primeval wherein the Gods were gathered all together.
It rested set upon the Unborn’s navel, that One wherein abides all things existing.
7. Ye will not find him who produced these creatures: another thing hath risen up among you.
Enwrapt in the misty cloud, with lips that stammer, hymn-chanters wander and are discontented.
Similarities Between Tvastar and Vishwakarma:
Most of the qualities that Vishwakarma possesses are attributed to Tvastar in the Vedas.
11 Tvashtar, celestial artist, lay within the body of this dame. A male germ with the noblest form for her in the tenth month to bear.
AV Book 5, hymn 25
But in the Puranas, he is mentioned as the son of Vishwakarma.
The Birth of Lord Vishwakarma:
There are mainly three stories about his birth.
1. When gods and Asuras performed the churning of the ocean, many precious things were born. Vishwakarma was one of those things. The day is known as Vishwakarma Jayanti.
2. Lord Brahma had a son named Dharma who had a son, Vaastu. Vaastu married Angirasi, and from them, Vishwakarma was born.
3. Per the Vishwakarma Purana, he is Swayambhu.
Family:
Father: Vasu Prabhasa (Mahabharata), Vastu (Puranas), seventh Dharmaputra of Lord Brahma.
Mother: Yoga-Siddha, Angirasi.
Wife: Gritachi.
Daughters: Sanjana, Chitragandha, Barhishmati.
Sons: Manu, Maya, Tvastar, Shilpi, Vishwajna, Nala, and Nila.
Son-in-law: Sun.
Vishwakarma Iconography:
Lord Vishwakarma is generally depicted as an old man with a white beard and wearing some jewelry along with a flower garland around his neck. He wears a golden crown on his head and a tripundra on his forehead. He has four hands in which he carries a measuring tape or a measuring scale, Kamandalu, and a book.
Lord Vishwakarma has a close association with Lord Brahma. His Vahana is a swan which is the same as that of Lord Brahma. Some sculptures show him having three or four heads like Lord Brahma. The things that he holds in his hands also vary. These faces look younger in some sculptures and older in others.
Amazing Things Created by Vishwakarma:
1. Vijaya Dhanusa.
2. Pushpaka Vimana.
3. Sudarshana Chakra.
4. Trishula.
5. Golden Lanka.
6. Dwaraka City.
7. Alakapuri.
8. Heaven.
9. Vajra.
Stories of Vishwakarma:
Creation of Shiva lingam:
Vishwakarma (the architect of gods) stood before a cylindrical shaft to create a sculpture that would be the perfect form of God, but he realized that God cannot be contained in an icon. Therefore, he placed the shaft in a basin and declared this aniconic representation as linga, which means attribute – of that which is formless.
Creation of Weapons of Gods:
Sanjana is the wife of Lord Surya (the Sun god) and the daughter of Vishwakarma. She was finding it difficult to go near her husband because of his heat. She complained about this to her father. He then ground off some of the effulgence of Surya.
Vishwakarma then used that effulgence to create the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, Trishula of Lord Shiva, and other weapons of gods.
Creation of Ravana’s palace:
When Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them. overwhelmed by the request of the almighty, he built a golden palace for them. Lord Shiva invited Ravana to perform the Grihapravesh ceremony. After it was over, he asked him anything he would like as Dakshina. Ravana was dumbfounded by the beauty of the palace. So he asked for the golden palace itself. Lord Shiva kept his word and gave it to him.
In another version, Lord Shiva invited Ravana’s father, Pulatsya, to preside over the ceremony and gave him the golden palace as Dakshina. He gave it to Kubera. Afterward, Ravana defeated Kubera and won Lanka.
Creation of Dwaraka:
When Lord Krishna decided to build a city, he invited Lord Vishwakarma to build it. He built it in a day only. The city was so meticulously built that even Lord Krishna could not find a fault in it.
Vishwakarma Puja:
Hindus celebrate Vishwakarma Jayanti to express their gratitude toward the god, Vishwakarma. It falls on Kanya Sankranti. It is the day when the Sun moves from Simha Rashi (Leo) to Kanya Rashi (Virgo). This happens in the month of Bhadrapada every year per the Hindu calendar and on any of the dates from 16-18 September of the Gregorian calendar.
On this day, the people who use any kind of machines or tools, such as engineers, craftsmen, architects, artisans, mechanics, smith, welders, etc., do not work. They clean and worship their tools and machines. They also worship Lord Vishwakarma and ask for his blessings.
Vishwakarma Caste:
There is a separate Hindu community by his name who claim that they are his descendants. It consists of five main sub-groups, viz. carpenters, blacksmiths, bronze smiths, goldsmiths, and stonemasons.
These five groups are descendants of the five sons of Vishwakarma, viz. Manu, Maya, Tvastar, Shilpi, and Visvajna.
Modern Archaeological Instruments in the Hands of Lord Vishwakarma?
In Nalasopara, Mumbai, there is a famous temple by the name of Chakrshwara Mahadev Mandir where there is a statue of Vishwakarma that is about 1000 years old. Interestingly, in the upper right hand of it, there is an instrument that looks like a theodolite. It appears as if a person is looking through it to take measurements.
Vishwakarma’s Architectural Wonders:
Hindu mythology is full of Vishwakarma’s many architectural wonders. Through the four ‘yugas’, he had built several towns and palaces for the gods. In “Satya yuga”, he built the Swarg Loke, or heaven, the abode of the gods and demigods where Lord Indra rules. Vishwakarma then built the ‘Sone ki Lanka’ in “Treta yuga”, the city of Dwarka in “Dwapar yuga”, and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the “Kali yuga”.
‘Sone Ki Lanka’ or Golden Lanka:
According to Hindu mythology, ‘Sone ki Lanka’ or Golden Lanka was the place where the demon king Ravana dwelled in the “Treta yuga.” As we read in the epic story Ramayana, this was also the place where Ravana kept Sita, Lord Ram’s wife as a hostage.
There is also a story behind the construction of Golden Lanka. When Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma put up a palace made of gold! For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Ravana to perform the “Grihapravesh” ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Ravana to ask anything in return as “Dakshina”, Ravana, overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself! Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana’s wish, and the Golden Lanka became Ravana’s palace.
Dwarka:
Among the many mythical towns Viswakarma built is Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his “Karma Bhoomi” or center of operation. That is why this place in nothern India has become a well known pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Hastinapur:
In the present “Kali Yuga”, Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas, the warring families of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna installed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.
Indraprastha:
Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharata has it that King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called ‘Khaandavprastha’ to the Pandavas for living. Yudhishtir obeyed his uncle’s order and went to live in Khaandavprastha with the Pandava brothers. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which he renamed ‘Indraprastha’.
Legends tell us about the architectural marvel and beauty of Indraprastha. Floors of the palace were so well done that they had a reflection like that of water, and the pools and ponds inside the palace gave the illusion of a flat surface with no water in them.
After the palace was built, the Pandavas invited the Kauravas, and Duryodhan and his brothers went to visit Indraprastha. Not knowing the wonders of the palace, Duryodhan was flummoxed by the floors and the pools, and fell into one of the ponds. The Pandava wife Draupadi, who witnessed this scene, had a good laugh! She retorted, hinting at Duryodhan’s father (the blind king Dhritrashtra) “the son of a blind man is bound to be blind.” This remark of Draupadi annoyed Duryodhan so much that later on it became a major cause for the great war of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.
History of Vishwakarma People
Above 5000 Years, The Vishwakarma People are Well Known as Main Seed of All Arts, Architectural Intelligents and Creators of Hindu Religion and Temples in Entire India. They are coming from Sri Vishwakarma’s Five Sons Inheritance. Their names are Manu(Black Smiths), Maya(Carpenters), Twosta(Tin Smiths), Silpy (Sculptors) and Viswajna(Gold Smiths). From First Invader Greek Alexander to All Invaders, Foreign Visitors and Foreign Touristers have been Amazing and Wondering about their Creations Such as Temples, Sculptures, Weapons, Golden, Metal made and Wooden Things.
But Now-a-days, 90% of this Vishwakarma People Felt into Poverty, Illiteratcy and Regular Jobless. Because they forget to worship their Main Gods Sri Vishwakarma and Sri Gayathri Devi. These are Pointed out with very sorrow by Swamiji Maharaj SriSri Vishwakarmaputra Maharishi, Utterpradesh.
Some Vishwakarma People asked Doubtly the Question, Who are We? Saiva? or Vaishnava?. Truly Vishwakarma People are Not Both Saiva and Vaishnava. Basically Hindu Dharma or Religion Includes Many More Religions, Regoations into Itself. They are Saiva(God Siva’s Own Religion), Vaishnava(God Vishnu’s Own Religion), Ganapathya (God Ganesh’s Own Religion), Sowmar (God Sun’s Own Religion), Gowmar (God Karthikeya’s Own Religion), Sakkiya (Goddess Parvathi’s Own Religion) and Such as More Religions and several Rogations are now organized Under the Name Of Hindu Dharma or Hindu Religion. As Like As Vishwakarma is not only Meaning of Separate Race also Special Religion and This is No.1 Religion of Hindu Dharma. Basically we Forgot this or are Forgotten this. That Mistake is the Main Hole Of their All Troubles.
Vishwakarma People are indicated in Vedas as Speical Creation. They are not Created by Sri Brahma who creates other People, Animals, Birds and Etc. Vishwakarma People are Created from five heads by Sri Vishwakarma who Creates All Gods and Whole Universe. They have Separate Identities, Rites, Rogations and Individual Heritage. If They Follow the Procedures as they can, They can Make New History like as their ancestors.
Our curiosity to know who is vishwakarma and what he created can be answered through multiple ways . Vishwakarma is the God of architect who created the murtis (idol) of God and Goddess and also the weapons which they carried with themselves . He also created temples , buildings , machines and yantra .
Ancient Hindu temples which were built thousands of years ago are pronounced examples of Hindu Architecture .
Let us dive deep into the whole history of “ who is Vishwakarma “ and how he became the god of architecture . But before that we should have the background knowledge of architecture .
The word architecture came from the Latin word “ architectura “ Which actually drawn from the Sanskrit word “ Archidakshtaurya “ which means the knowledge or the brilliancy used to settle down the human beings on the planet Earth by using sun’s energy .
Lord Vishwakarma is the name behind the word “ science of architecture “ . In Hindi we call it “ Vastu-Shastra “. It is also studied as Shilpa Shastra or Sthapatyaved .
There are many Hindu scriptures which talk about architecture and they are Vishwakarma-Prakasa , Aparajita-praccha , Manasara , Maya Mata , samarangana-sutradhara , Agastya-sakaladhikara and Silpa-ratna .
Non architecture scriptures like Agni Puran , Matsya Puran , Narad Puran , Bhavishya Puran, Skanda puran , Garuda Puran , Vishnu Puran , Tantras and agamas also give a detailed understanding of architecture.
Story of Vishwakarma
The story of Lord Vishwakarma will take you back to the time when Lord Shiva was getting married to Maa Parvati. That was the time when all the eight directions were filled with the praise of Lord Shiva.
All Devtas ( God ) , goddess , Kinner , Yakshas ,Bhuta , Pisach had come to become the witness of the great Universal marriage . The whole sky got lightened up by infinite gems and crystals. “ The word paradise is not enough to justify the beauty of that place .
Lord Vishwakarma was one of them who had come to become the witness of universal marriage . He was full of intense devotion for Lord Shiva .
He didn’t want to leave an opportunity to praise Lord Shiva in front of him, especially on the occasion of his marriage . Lord Vishwakarma started to praise Lord Shiva. Every word of him was imbibed with deep reverence .
Seeing such a deep reverence towards himself , he asked him for a boon . Lord Vishwakarma appealed to Shiva to enlighten his life with a great knowledge of vastu shastra ( science of architecture) so that he can serve the people .
Whether its temple , building , weapons of God and Goddess etc on the planet earth , all were constructed by Vishwakarma .He was the one who gave the science of architecture to the humans on the planet Earth.
The Vastu Shastra and all other scriptures related to architect were written thousands of years ago which later on translated into different languages and finally reached to different countries.
Family
Vishwakarma is known as the Tvastha of the world. Even their son is being called as Tvastha. Vishwakarma has four sons Jaya, Maya, Siddharth and Aparajit.
Siddharth is called as Tvastha in many scriptures. He had gained Prowesity in Lohkarma and Yantrakarma. And the rest of his sons adopted Vastu Vidya from their father . There are many granthas which talk about the conversation between Vishwakarma and his sons.
Iconography
The word icon is derived from the Greek word “Eikon” which signifies an object which we can worship . In India, the science of architect has at least five major branches and they are
The canons of town planning
The art of house building or temples
The Canon of Icon making which simply means Iconography
Essential characteristics of paintings
The art of constructing machines
Again the iconography is divided into three volumes
Pratima vigyan
Pratima Lakshan
Chitra Lakshan
Caste
In ancient India, there was no word like caste existed . It came much later after the intervention of British rule .India was actually divided into Varna and jaati which were completely different from what caste represents today .
When we travel to Karnataka, Mysore, Andhra, Telangana and Maharashtra, we can find architect( shilpkar) with the title Panchanan of Vishwakarma jaati .They belong to different gotras according to their expertise like Saanas,Abhanvasra , Suparyaas etc. And in ancient times they used to have foods only from Brahmin .
They have expertise in building temples, chariots,idols etc.
Creation of God
When we utter the word creation of God then it clearly means creating the images or pratima of God and Goddesses. The word image is derived from the old French and Latin word “ Imago “ . In Sanskrit we call it Pratima and in Hindi Murti .
Creating the Murti of God and Goddesses is such an auspicious job to perform that the person should have the purest mind and soul .And only a yogic mind can have such a mind .
Khajuraho temple is one of the best examples of the yogic mind.It was created by great Yogis .
Images after being architect should be installed on a specific place which is called as “ Garbha-Griha “. And Garbha Griha should be adorned with outer walls and these outer walls should be adorned with different kinds of images .
These Garbha Griha and outer walls are the same as soul and body . The way the soul is given the outer wall which we call “body“ , the same way the garbhagriha is the soul and outer wall is the body .
All the God and Goddesses who are installed in the temples are adorned with the outer wall .
Creation of Ravan Lanka
Ravana Palace was architect by none other than Lord Vishwakarma. The palace was called “Ratna “ or “ Swarn-bhumi of gems and golds”.
It was completely made out of gold. It was 100 League long and 20 wide.It had four major Gates. The palace had domes and long turrets which were enclosed by a giant wall and these giant walls were made up of gold.
There were wide ranging streets and bright gates which were guarded by the Rakshasa. Near the palace there was a beautiful lake which was filled with lilies and lotuses.
This was a pure earthly Paradise which was much more beautiful and amazing than what a common man could imagine of.
Creation of Sudarshan Chakra
Sudarshan Chakra is the weapon of Lord Krishna which is adorn in his index finger. It was designed by the legendary Vishwakarma.
It contains 12 spokes and 6 navels and the centre is called vajra
There is a great Legend behind creating Sudarshana Chakra and it goes like:
Surya ( Sun God ) was married to Vishwakarma’s daughter, Sanjana.They had two sons named Vaivasvata Manu and Yama ( Lord of death).
One day Sanjana couldn’t bear the energy of Surya anymore so, she decided to create an image of her own body and named her Chaya and told her to not utter this secret even to his husband .
Chhaya replied as you wish but put a condition that she would reveal this secret Only when someone dared to curse her or pull her hair .
With this talk , Sanjana left the place and went to his father’s house Vishwakarma but soon she left the house of his father and reached Uttara Kuru and started to live there .
After passing of several years , Yama realised that in the garb of his mother , there is someone else .Yama talked about his suspicion to his father Surya . Surya pulled her hair and asked the truth . She finally revealed the secret to Surya .
After knowing the truth , he went in search of Sanjana and soon found her. When Lord Vishwakarma got to know the reason behind her daughter’s leaving the husband’s home ,he asked Surya to give him permission to lessen his energy .
And from that energy Lord Vishwakarma created the Sudarshan Chakra.
Vishwakarma puja / Vishwakarma Jayanti 2023
Every religious festive celebration has its own significance. Vishwakarma puja is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Vishwakarma which falls between 16th-17th September of every year.
It’s the celebration of the greatest architect of the planet Earth who designed temples, idols ,buildings ,Palace, God’s weapons etc.
On this special occasion people of India perform the poojas of all the Machines, buildings with great reverence . Making the symbol of Swastik during Vishwakarma puja is seen all over India. This is the common practice of Hindus during this specific day.
Mangal Aarti and chanting of mantras are performed during Puja .
Vishwakarma or Vishwakarman is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. According to Hinduism, he created this whole universe. That is why he is called the divine architect. Just as he created this universe, he also crafted all the flying chariots, weapons and architectures for the gods.
Vishwakarma In Scriptures
Hindu mythological books are full of Vishwakarma’s architectural wonders. His name occurs five times in the tenth book of the Rigveda. In the Mahabharata story he is described as
“The lord of the arts, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the carpenter of the gods, the most eminent of artisans, the fashioner of all ornaments… and a great and immortal god.”
Iconography Of Vishwakarma
Vishwakarma’s iconography varies from one region to another. In most of the places in the Indian sub-continent, he is depicted as an aged and wise man, with four arms. He has white beard and is accompanied by his vahana or mount, hamsa (goose or swan). Theologists believe that these suggest his association with the creator Brahma. Usually, he is seated on a throne and his sons standing near him. This form of Vishwakarma is mainly found in the Western and North-Western parts of India.
In the Eastern parts of India, Vishwakarma is depicted as a young muscular man with black moustache. Here, he is not accompanied by his sons. An elephant is his vahana, suggesting his association with Devraj Indra or God Vrihaspati.
Family Of Vishwakarma
In Hindu scriptures, Vishwakarma is often said to be the son of Brahma, but it is different in many other texts. In the Nirukta and Brahmanas he is stated to be the son of Bhuvana. In the Mahabharata and Harivansha, he is the son of Vasu Prabhasa and Yoga-siddha. In the Puranas, he is the son of Vastu. Vishwakarma is the father of three daughters named Varhishmati, Samjna and Chitrangada. In other texts Vishwakarma is presented as the husband of Gritachi. When identified with Tvastar, Vishwakarma is also described to be the father of a son named Vishvarupa. According to the Vishwakarma community or Vishwabrahmin, Vishwakarma had five children (Manu, Maya, Tvastar, Shilpi and Visvajna). The community comprises five sub-groups (carpenters, blacksmiths, bronze smiths, goldsmiths and stonemasons) who believe that they are descendants of Vishvakarma.
Vishwakarma And Divine Architecture
The name of Vishwakarma is always associated with the divine architectures. He built several towns and sacred places through the four Yugas. He built Swarg Loke (heaven, the abode of gods and goddesses) in Satya Yuga, Swarna (golden) Lanka in the Treta Yuga, Dwarka in Dwapar Yuga and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the Kali Yuga. Let’s know briefly about some of these architectures.
Swarna Lanka
According to the Valmiki Ramayana, in the Treta Yuga, the capital of King Ravana was Swarna Lanka (Golden Lanka). After the marriage of Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) and Mata Parvati, Vishwakarma was asked to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma built the Swarna Prasad (Golden Palace) of Mahadeva and Mata Parvati. Then Mahadeva arranged a Grihapravesh (housewarming) ceremony and invited wise Ravana to perform the rituals of the ceremony. After the completion of the sacred ceremony Mahadeva gave Ravana the Swarna Lanka as “Dakshina”. From then on, Swarna Lanka became the capital of Ravana.
Dwarka
In the Dwapar Yuga, the capital of Lord Krishna was Dwarka. And this town was built by Vishwakarma. According to the mythological story, Lord Krishna lived in Dwarka and made it his Leela Bhoomi (a site for divine play). So this place in northern India has become a well-known pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Hastinapur
In the present Kali Yuga, Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna crowned Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.
Indraprastha
Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandava brothers. According to the Mahabharata story, King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called Khaandavprastha to the Pandavas to live on. Yudhishtir went to live in Khaandavprastha with his brothers obeying the order of Dhritrashtra. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which was renamed as Indraprastha.
Bride Chamber Of Behula-Lakhindar
According to Hindu mythology, Chand Sadagar was a wealthy merchant who refused to offer his obeisance to Manasa Devi (goddess Manasa). Vishahar, a sage and devotee of Manasa killed six sons of Chand on their wedding night with snake bites. When Lakhindar, the seventh son of Chand, had married Behula, Vishwakarma made the bride chamber. He made the bride chamber with concrete so that no insect could enter the chamber let alone snake. Inspite of this security, Kaal Nagin (a poisonous serpent) entered Behula Lakhindar’s bride chamber. Lakhindar was bitten by Kaal Nagin and he died. But his (Lakhindar) devoted wife, Behula did not give up hope. To get back her husband’s life from the gods in the Heaven, Behula sailed with her dead husband in a raft. By the grace of gods She reached Heaven and brought her husband back to life. She promised Manasa that she would make her father-in-law offer obeisance to her (Manasa) and she (Behula) kept her promise.
Vishwakarma Puja
In Hinduism, Vishwakarma is considered as the god of architecture and engineering. Vishwakarma Puja is usually celebrated in the mid September every year and this occasion also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali. Workers and craftsmen arrange this celebration to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating extraordinary products. Vishwakarma Puja usually takes place within the factory premises or shop thefloor. The celebration is also associated with tradition of flying kites which is also a major part of Makar Sankranti.
Vishwakarma Caste
Vishwakarma Caste (also known as Vishwabrahmin / Dhiman Brahmins / Jangid Brahmins) describes a Brahmin Caste of India who claim to be descendants of Lord Vishwakarma. They are a caste of priests, engineers, architects, sculptors, temple builders and artists. The term is applied to five sub-castes; blacksmiths, carpenters, coppersmiths, goldsmiths and sculptors.
MANU
Blacksmiths
A smith who works in iron metal, especially by hammering it when it is hot and malleable, working with a forge making iron utensils, horseshoes, weapons and repairing armor.
MAYA
Carpenters
A carpenter builds, assembles, installs and repairs fixtures and structures that are usually made of wood.
TWOSTA
Bronze Smiths
A smith who works in bronze, Bronze Smiths is a Brass/Bronze foundry that is committed in providing you top quality decorative bronze sculptures & furniture, bronze garden statues.
SILPY
Sculptors
Sculptors Creating sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
VISWAJNA
Goldsmiths
A goldsmith is a technical trade professional who works specifically with gold. A goldsmith designs, shapes, creates and repairs jewelry for his clients.
Rishis
Vishvakarma created five Brahmas/prajapathies – from his five faces. They were Manu, Maya, Twosta, Silpy, Viswajna and their respective Rishis were
Sanaga Brahma Rishi,
Sanaathana Brahma Rishi,
Abhuvanasa Brahma Rishi,
Prathnasa Brahma Rishi,
Suparnasa Brahma Rishi.
Gotras
Vishwakarma acharya are divided into five gotras (or clans); each Rishi’s name is mentioned in the Yajurveda.
Sanaga
Sanatana
Abhuvana
Pratanasa
Suparna
Subdivisions
The caste consists of five sub-castes: carpenters, blacksmiths, brass smiths, sculptors and goldsmiths.
Karnataka
The Vishwakarma caste of south Karnataka, who is composed of several sub-castes, Surnames.
Kulachars/aachar
Shiv achars/acharya
Uttaradi goldsmiths
Mayachar founders
kammara
Badiger(carpenters)
Doddamanes
Chikkamanes
Most of these sub-castes do not intermarry and have a hierarchy among themselves. All the above sub caste is varied according to various regions of Karnataka. All the sub-castes worships the goddess Kali, they are very similar to Brahmins.
Kerala
In Kerala, the Vishwakarma community is also known as Achary, Kammalar, or Viswa Brahmanar. They exist in Tamil in two communities: one Tamil (primarily in Travancore), one Malayali.
TamilNadu
In TamilNadu, Tamil achari or asari are known as ‘Tamil Kammalars’ They were goldsmith and landlords.
North India
In North India, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Vishwbrahmin.
Diet
Vishwakarmas follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Andhra Pradesh
Telugu Brahmin is a sub-caste of the greater Brahmin community whose native language is Telugu. VishwaBrahmin is a member of a caste of priests within Hindu society. The Brahmins constitute the community of scholars, priests and teachers and consider themselves responsible, broadly speaking, for society’s spiritual progress. Most of the Brahmins in Andhra pradesh belong to the smarta Brahmin group, i.e. the followers of smritis and followers of Adi sankaracharya. The Smarta Brahmins follow Apastamba Smriti or Apastamba Sutra not the manusmriti.Smartha Brahmins are worshippers of both Lord Narayana and Lord Shiva. are many sub-sects of Brahmins, some of them are Dravidlu, Niyogi (Aru Vela Niyogulu), Vaidiki Velandalu, Telaganyulu, Kanvulu and others. Other important groups that eventually got absorbed into Telugu Brahmins from neighboring state Tamilnadu who are a followers of Vaikhanasa and the others sri Vaishnavism who follow Vishishtadvaita espoused by the saint Ramanujacharya.
Notables
Adi Shankaracharya – As per Shankar Vijaya, Shankara Sang “I am a decendent of Twashter, … I am a Brahmin of the Vishwakarma Caste”. (Andhra Historical Research Society, Rajahmundry, Madras, Andhra Historical Research Society. Journal of the Andhra Historical Society, Volumes 14-17\. Andhra Historical Research Society., 1953. p. 161.)
Lohars community
The Lohars belong to the Parusheya Brahmin community. These brahmin migrants who settled in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra identify them selves as Maithil Brahmins. Lohars from Maharashtra identify themselves as Vishwa Brahmins of the Vishwakarma community and Lohars from Gujarat identify themselves as Panchal Brahmins. In most of these states, Lohars follow Brahmin rituals, rites and have Brahmin surnames. They perform Upanayanan sanskar (Thread Ceremony) and wear Janeo (Thread) for themselves and their children.
Panchal
Panchal is an Indian title, in tune with the Hindu caste system, that represents some of the castes that are predominant in the Indian state of Gujarat that are either carpenters or blacksmiths.
There is a long and interesting story behind this. Vishvakarma created five Brahmas/prajapathies – from his five faces. They were Manu the blacksmith, Maya the carpenter, Twosta the metal craftsmen, Silpy the Stonecarver & Sculptors and Viswajna the goldsmith That’s why we are called “Panchals”
Vishwakarma Mantra
“Om shree shrishtinathaya sarvasidhhaya vishwakarmaya namo namah”