Bhagwan Vishwakarma: The divine engineer

 Er. Prabhat Kishore

(The author is a technocrat and academician. He holds a Master in Engineering from M.N. Regional Engineering College, Allahabad/Prayagraj.)

Bhagwan Vishwakarma is considered to be the god father of construction and creation among all the gods in the universe. He has been said to be the first host of creation. "Devo Sau Sutradharah, Jagadkhil Hitah. Vyayate Sarvasatvai". In every era, numerous towns, buildings, and infrastructural frameworks have been constructed on the model developed by Him. The religious scriptures deal with Swarglok in Satyug, Swarnim Lanka and Janakpuri in Tretayug, Dwarika, Hastinapur, and Indraprashtha in Dvaparyug, Jagannath Mandir in Puri (Odisha), and idols of Krishna, Balram, Subhadra, and others in Kaliyug. These constructions were based on important architectural designs as well as Vastushashtra rules. Indrapuri, Yampuri, Kuberpuri, Sudamapuri, etc., were also his creations. He is the creator of the Sudarshan Chakra of Vishnu, Trishul of Shiva, Kaldand of Yamraj, Vajra (the thunderbolt) of Indra, Kawach-Kundal of Maharathi Karna, and various other Divyashtras.

Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated each year to pay respect to the divine engineer and architect. The festival falls on Kanya Sankranti or Kanya Sankramanam, i.e., a day when the sun migrates to the Kanya Rashi (Virgo). Hence, Vishwakarma Puja also falls on the same day, i.e., September 17th, every year in the Gregorian Calendar. This day is revered not only by the engineering and architectural communities but also by artisans, craftsmen, carpenters, factory workers, mechanics, industrial workers, etc. The devotees pray to Vishwakarma for the smooth working of machines, safe working conditions, and better success in their fields. The working community and craftsmen worship their tools and usually refrain from using them on this auspicious occasion.

In ancient religious creatures, the Tridev—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—have been worshipped, but simultaneously, Bhagwan Vishwakarma has also been remembered. "Vishwam Kritsanam Karma Vyaparo Va Yasya Sah,i.e., the one whose right creation and actions are business, he is Vishwakarma. Although he is recognized as a Vedic deity, his mythological form is different. There has been a sense of respect for him from the very beginning. He is known as the creator and promoter of essential commodities for a Grihasth-type stage. Vishwakarma is the highest dignity among the 18 updeshtas of Vastu, and his doctrine has recognition. Indian mathematician and astronomer Varahmihir has also quoted his doctrine at several places in his work.

In the Sanatan Dharma texts, Vishwakarma is described as the seventh son of Lord Brahma. The five sons of Vishwakarma—Manu, Maya, Tvasta, Shilpi, and Devajna—were proficient in five different disciplines of Vastu Shastra. Manu is said to be an expert in blacksmith work; Maya in carpentry; Tvasta in metal work; Shilpi in stone work; and Devajnain in the work of a goldsmith. In the first part of Vishnu Puran, Vishwakarma has been described as the Vardaki, i.e., the god-carpenter of the gods, and has been glorified as "Shilpavatar". In the Skanda Puran, he is described as the creator of Devayatans. This belief has been cited in many Purans. As per the scripture of crafts, he was so proficient in craftsmanship that he could make Khaddau (pedestals) that could walk on water. PushpakViman of Ravan is also his creation. It is mentioned in Rajvallabh Vastu Shastra and other texts that Vishwakarma had done the task of controlling the harmful rays of the sun that destroy human life.

In Indian culture, importance has been given to Vishwakarma in technical and commercial institutions, industries, and factories. However, there is no dearth of those who describe the knowledge, science, and philosophy embedded in the Vedas, Purans, Upanishads, and other texts as imaginary, unbelievable, and just subjects of belief. But with the advent of innumerable unbelievable structures such as the journey to the Moon and Mars, supersonic aircraft faster than sound, the Sri Ram bridge between India and Sri Lanka, tall high lofts, the recent construction of a glass bridge between two hills in Hunan, China, etc., it is a proven fact that the works of Vishwakarma and other craftsmen mentioned in Indian texts and literature were real. Although it witnessed the ups and downs of human civilization and science, The technical method used in the temples and other ancient structures of India is still a subject of research. The original technical texts of the world are considered to be Vishwakarmiya texts, in which there is a discussion not only on architecture but also on vehicles and gems.

Vishwakarma Prakash is a living book of his propounded views, in which human and divine Vastu Vidya are shown with many mathematical formulas. In the modern era, the role of engineers, architects, scientists, and craftsmen is indispensable for the structural development of the nation. Only on the basis of their knowledge, research, experimentation, and implementation can a nation claim to climb the stairs of all-round development. Today, the flag bearers of the nation are adorned with the title "Vishwakarma of the modern era". Worshipped and venerated as a skilled builder in Vedic, mythological, and folk tales, Bhagwan Vishwakarma will always be the object of adoration and a source of inspiration for the national heroes.