Vishwakarma: The Hindu Lord of Architecture

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com.)

Vishwakarma, the celestial artisan, stands as the divine patron of artisans and architects, his creative prowess transcending mortal limits. Born of Brahma’s divine essence, he assumes the sublime role of the cosmic archi-tect, shaping the very fabric of the universe. As the appointed architect for the celestial realm, he weaves ethereal palaces for the gods, crafting each with unrivalled precision. Vishwakarma’s artistic mastery extends beyond abodes, as he breathes life into the airborne chariots of the divine pantheon and forges their formidable arma-ments. His talents, boundless and awe-inspiring, etch the very essence of creation itself.

In the illustrious pages of the Mahabharata, Vishwakarma emerges as the supreme embodiment of artistic vir-tuosity—a maestro wielding a thousand crafts, the divine carpenter sculpting the gods’ desires, and the para-mount artisan of his era. Adorned in opulent splendour, he graces the heavens, bedecked in a resplendent crown and adorned with a wealth of golden treasures. Within his four hands, he clutches the sacred symbols of his craft: a life-giving water-pot, a tome of boundless knowledge, a subtle noose that weaves destinies, and the very tools that breathe life into form and function. An immortal deity, he stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of crea-tion and innovation, an eternal muse to the world of artistry and craftsmanship.

Vishwakarma Puja, a cherished observance among Hindus, pays homage to the divine patron of architecture and engineering. It unfurls its vibrant tapestry annually on either September 16 or 17, ushering in a time of re-newed resolve for laborers and artisans alike. As the sacred ritual unfolds within the very heart of factories and workshops, the mundane is magically transformed into a vivacious fiesta of creativity. Amidst the hum of ma-chinery and the symphony of craftsmanship, workers seek divine inspiration to fashion innovative marvels. Yet, it’s not just hammers and chisels that fill the air; colorful kites take flight, adding a buoyant flair to the festivities. In its essence, Vishwakarma Puja heralds the dawn of a jubilant season, a harmonious prelude to the grand spec-tacle of Diwali that awaits on the horizon.

Within the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma’s architectural marvels stand as a timeless testa-ment. Across the four celestial ages, he wove a tapestry of divine towns and palaces, each a masterpiece in its own right. In the epoch of Satya-yuga, his skilled hands fashioned Swarg Loke, the ethereal realm where gods and demigods reside, presided over by Lord Indra. Treta-Yuga witnessed the birth of Sone ki Lanka, a city bathed in golden splendor. Dwapar-yuga bore witness to the majestic Dwarka rising from the depths of the ocean, while the current era, Kali-yuga, saw the creation of the storied Hastinapur and the resplendent Indraprastha. Across time’s ever-turning wheel, Vishwakarma’s architectural wonders endure, each a luminous gem in the tapestry of eterni-ty.

In the enchanting realm of Hindu mythology, there exists a fabled land known as “Sone Ki Lanka,” or the Gold-en Lanka. This ethereal locale served as the dwelling of the formidable demon king, Ravana, during the Treta yu-ga—an epoch woven into the epic fabric of the Ramayana. Here, amidst its gilded grandeur, Ravana held captive Sita, the beloved wife of Lord Ram, setting the stage for an epic tale of valour, devotion, and the eternal triumph of righteousness.

Amidst the celestial nuptials of Lord Shiva and Parvati, a remarkable chapter of mythology unfolds. Tasking Vishwakarma with crafting their abode, the divine architect fashioned a palace resplendent in gold—a marvel to behold. As the housewarming celebrations dawned, Lord Shiva extended a gracious invitation to the sagacious Ravana, entreating him to perform the Grihapravesh ritual. When the sacred rites concluded, Shiva, in his bound-less generosity, offered Ravana a boon, a dakshina. Overwhelmed by the palace’s opulence, Ravana, with heartfelt admiration, requested the golden palace itself as his boon. Honour-bound, Shiva granted Ravana’s fervent wish, thus transforming the magnificent abode into the Golden Lanka—a testament to divine craftsmanship and the intricate tapestry of celestial exchanges.

Amidst the myriad legendary cities sculpted by Vishwakarma’s skilled hands, Dwarka shines resplendently as the crown jewel—a city of profound significance. It stands as the regal capital of Lord Krishna, the enigmatic deity of devotion and wisdom. In the epoch of the Mahabharata, this coastal haven bore witness to the earthly sojourn of Lord Krishna, who made it his Karma Bhoomi, the very nucleus of his divine endeavors. This sacred enclave, nestled in the northern reaches of India, has thus evolved into a hallowed pilgrimage site of immense reverence for devout Hindus, a place where history and mythology converge, inviting seekers to partake in the eternal essence of Lord Krishna’s legacy.

In the current age of Kali Yuga, Vishwakarma’s divine craftsmanship graced the earth once more, giving rise to the storied city of Hastinapur. This ancient town served as the epicentre of the tumultuous saga featuring the Kauravas and Pandavas, the feuding dynasties whose destinies unfolded in the epic Mahabharata. As the dust of the Kurukshetra battle settled, Lord Krishna, the epitome of wisdom and compassion, took it upon himself to anoint Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the rightful ruler of Hastinapur. Thus, the city’s legacy continued to evolve, be-coming a crucible of power and virtue, forever etched in the annals of timeless mythology.

In the grand tapestry of divine craftsmanship, Vishwakarma’s skilled hands bestowed upon the Pandavas a remarkable gift—the magnificent city of Indraprastha. Woven into the Mahabharata’s intricate narrative, this tale unfolds as King Dhritrashtra, in a gesture of magnanimity, offers a parcel of land known as Khaandavprastha to the Pandavas, his nephews. In deference to his uncle’s decree, Yudhishthir led his brothers to settle in Khaandavprastha. However, destiny had grander designs. Lord Krishna, the master orchestrator of fates, extended an invitation to Vishwakarma, the divine architect, to craft a capital befitting the Pandavas on this sacred soil. In response to this celestial call, the land was transformed into the resplendent realm of Indraprastha, forever alter-ing the course of their legendary saga.

The annals of legend resound with enchanting tales of Indraprastha’s architectural opulence and mesmerising beauty. Within the palace’s hallowed halls, the craftsmanship transcended mere construction; its floors bore an exquisite finish, mirroring the surroundings with a watery allure. Pools and ponds, nestled amid the palace’s re-splendent chambers, wove an illusion of ethereal enchantment, their crystalline depths appearing as seamless, tranquil expanses, defying the presence of water beneath. In Indraprastha, the very lines between reality and en-chantment blurred, rendering it a place where earthly wonders and divine artistry danced in harmonious union.

As the grand palace stood in all its resplendent glory, the Pandavas extended a cordial invitation to their Kaurava cousins, beckoning Duryodhan and his brothers to partake in the marvels of Indraprastha. Unfamiliar with the bewitching wonders concealed within, Duryodhan found himself confounded by the illusionary floors and the deceptive ponds, inadvertently taking an unexpected dip. His unintentional plunge into the watery mirage became a source of amusement for none other than Draupadi, the spirited and quick-witted wife of the Pandavas.

With a playful jest, Draupadi quipped, casting a subtle allusion to Duryodhan’s father, the blind King Dhritarashtra: “The son of a blind man is bound to be blind.” This seemingly innocuous remark, laden with hidden meaning, kindled a raging fire within Duryodhan’s heart. It festered into a profound re-sentment, eventually becoming a pivotal catalyst for the epic conflict that would later engulf the lands of Kurukshetra—an epochal battle etched into the annals of the Mahabharata and the timeless wis-dom of the Bhagavad Gita.