Vishwakarma Divas

National Labour Day is celebrated in India on which date? Most will answer: May Day! But the right answer is, Vishwakarma Divas, on Monday, Sep 17.

A great sage of time immemorial, Vishwakarma, considered to be the son of Lord Brahma, is referred in the Vedas as the divine architect of the whole universe, the builder of the palaces of all gods and goddesses and also the designer of their flying chariots. He is usually represented as possessing a water-pot, a book, a noose, tools and lot of gold jewelry in his four hands. He is variously described in ancient folklore as the god of architecture, creation, and Vishwakarma Divas, marked by all industrial houses, artists, craftsmen, weavers, the working class, and engineers, is known as engineers’ day.

Vishwakarma puja is an inspiration for many especially the working class to resolve to create new products and increase their productivity. According to mythology it is he who created the entire universe as well as the heaven and the earth. Vishwakarma is also credited for creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi. This weapon was used ironically, against his own son, Vrithra, who had aligned with the demons. Vishwakarma is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship. He is also the creator of Vastu Shastra, the science which is so popular today, even in the west.