Vishwakarma, the divine draftsman is the supreme deity of all craftsmen and architects. Lord Vishwakarma is the son of Brahma and is believed that entire universe was designed by him. Vishwakarma was also the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.
Vishwakarma 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" in the great epic of the Mahabharatha.
He has four hands, wears a crown, loads of gold jewelry, and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools in his hands.
The Festival of Vishwakarma Puja:
Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in the month of September by all Hindus. Hindus widely regard Vishwakarma as the god of architecture and engineering. The festival serves as the resolution time for all technical workers and craftsmen to increase their efficiency and creativity to design new products.
Different rituals are practiced on Vishwakarma Puja day especially in the state of Hyderabad. People worship Lord Vishwakarma on this day at their work places. The festival is also marked by the ritual of flying colorful kites in the sky.
Descendents of Lord Vishwakarma:
Brahmins following Lord Vishwakarma are referred as vishwabrahmins who are legally allowed to perform all pujas and wear sacred threads like Brahmins. They are divided into following five categories as craftsmen (panchamukhi):
1. Kammari (Blacksmiths)
2. Vadrangi/Vadla (Carpenters)
3. Swarnakara (Goldsmiths)
4. Shilpi (architect/sculptors/masons)
5. Kanchara (Bronzesmiths)
Lord Vishwakarma is believed to design entire universe and divine palaces through out all four yugas. Few of his architectural wonders in different yugas are as following:
- Swarg or Heaven in Sat Yuga
- Sone Ki Lanka in Treta Yuga
- City of Dwarka in Dwapar yuga
- Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the Kali yuga