Vishwakarma, the divine architect in Hinduism, is known as the god of creation, craftsmanship, and engineering. He is said to have designed and built many celestial structures, weapons, and cities for gods and mortals. His stories highlight his unmatched creativity and skills. Here are ten fascinating stories about Lord Vishwakarma:
1. Creation of Swarga (Heaven)
Vishwakarma is credited with constructing Swarga, the abode of the gods, ruled by Indra. According to Hindu mythology, Swarga is a place of immense beauty and opulence, where divine beings and ascended souls dwell. Its palaces, gardens, and celestial rivers were all designed by Vishwakarma with unparalleled artistry. The glory of Swarga, with its golden streets and radiant structures, showcases his supreme architectural abilities.
2. Building of Dwarka
Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna, is one of Vishwakarma's most famous creations. After Lord Krishna left Mathura, he needed a new, secure city to reside in. Krishna requested Vishwakarma to build Dwarka, a city that would float over the sea. The resulting city, filled with grand palaces and advanced infrastructure, was a marvel of ancient architecture. Dwarka is considered to be one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and is said to have submerged into the sea after Krishna’s departure from the mortal world.
3. Construction of Lanka
Vishwakarma was initially tasked with constructing the island-city of Lanka. It was originally built for the god of wealth, Kubera. Lanka was an extraordinary city filled with golden palaces, towering structures, and an intricate network of streets and bridges. However, after Ravana, the demon king, performed severe penance and received boons, he took Lanka from Kubera. The magnificent city became the capital of Ravana’s kingdom, as described in the Ramayana.
4. Creation of Indraprastha
Indraprastha, the grand city of the Pandavas, was another significant architectural feat by Vishwakarma. After the Pandavas received barren land as part of a peace settlement, Vishwakarma transformed it into a prosperous, magnificent city. The city was said to have been filled with grand palaces, gardens, and water bodies. It played a key role in the epic Mahabharata and was a symbol of the Pandavas' power.
5. Crafting of Sudarshana Chakra
One of the most powerful and divine weapons in Hindu mythology, the Sudarshana Chakra—the discus wielded by Lord Vishnu—was crafted by Vishwakarma. The chakra, which symbolizes the cosmic mind and the protection of dharma, is said to be indestructible and capable of destroying anything in its path. It was used by Lord Vishnu in various incarnations, including to decapitate Shishupala during the Rajasuya Yagna.
6. Making of Pushpaka Vimana
The Pushpaka Vimana was a legendary flying chariot originally created by Vishwakarma for Kubera, the god of wealth. However, Ravana later seized it from Kubera after defeating him. The Pushpaka Vimana is described in the Ramayana as a magnificent, self-propelled vehicle capable of traveling anywhere at the speed of thought. It played an important role in the epic when Rama used it to return to Ayodhya with Sita after defeating Ravana.
7. Creation of Sthapatya Veda
Vishwakarma is believed to have authored the Sthapatya Veda, a part of the Vedas that deals with architecture, construction, and craftsmanship. This text is considered the source of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. It contains detailed knowledge about the design, layout, and construction of buildings, temples, and cities. Vishwakarma's wisdom in architecture continues to influence modern-day architectural practices.
8. Designing Lord Shiva’s Trident (Trishula)
Vishwakarma crafted Lord Shiva’s trident, known as the Trishula, which is one of Shiva’s most potent weapons. The trident represents the three fundamental aspects of existence: creation, maintenance, and destruction. Vishwakarma’s craftsmanship ensured that the Trishula was indestructible and that it symbolized Shiva's immense power. It has been used by Shiva in several myths, including the destruction of powerful demons.
9. Building the Vajra for Indra
The Vajra, a thunderbolt weapon wielded by Indra, the king of the gods, was created by Vishwakarma using the bones of Sage Dadhichi. When the demons, led by Vritra, became a threat to the gods, Vishnu advised Indra to seek the bones of Dadhichi to create a weapon that could destroy Vritra. Vishwakarma then forged the Vajra, a weapon so powerful that it became Indra’s signature weapon and was crucial in his victory over Vritra.
10. Creation of the Palace for Yudhishthira's Rajasuya Yagna
Vishwakarma built a grand palace for Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, for the Rajasuya Yagna—a ceremony where he was declared the emperor of the world. The palace was filled with optical illusions, such as floors that appeared to be water or walls that seemed to be open air. It was this magnificent palace that Duryodhana visited, and upon being humiliated after stumbling due to one of the illusions, became enraged. This incident sparked his desire for revenge, which eventually led to the great Kurukshetra war.
The stories of Vishwakarma reflect his unparalleled creativity and engineering skills, making him a revered figure among craftsmen, engineers, and builders. His legacy continues to inspire devotion, innovation, and craftsmanship in Hindu culture.