Introduction

Vishvakarma, courtesy of Wikimedia

Introduction to the Storybook

Vishvakarma is the Indian god of engineering and architecture. This storybook will be a description of many events occurring throughout the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other mythology from Vishvakarma's point of view. Many people know that history is different when told from differing points-of-view, but how would Indian mythology be retold from a specific god's point-of-view? Well, that's exactly what this storybook will do. It will specifically focus on Lanka, with many side stories involving Vishvakarma's inventions or creations including chariots, weapons, structures, and more.

Vishvakarma

Hello, everybody! My name is Vishvakarma, and I am the god of engineers and architects. As the god of engineers and architects, I am often credited with engineering the universe and the world. Today, most workers in the engineering, architecture, industrial and manufacturing sectors worship me. In fact, every year in mid-September, workers across India and Nepal, as well as other workers across the world, celebrate me with a holiday known as "Vishvakarma Puja". On my holiday, workers spend the day at work praying to me, and they often pray for success, for safety, and for the machines to continue to operate as intended. While my holiday is not still celebrated across all of India, most workplaces in areas that celebrate my holiday offer a day off for all workers to perform the rituals and then feast. Oftentimes, the workers also bring their families to the rituals. Tools are not used until the day following Vishvakarma Puja as they are worshipped in my name. Today, most tools are internet or software-based, but these tools are still worshipped in my name. Many workplaces across India have portraits and statues of me throughout the workplace so that workers will feel my presence at all times.

Pushpaka Vimana, courtesy of Wikimedia

Though my legacy lives on, most of my influence on India happened during earlier times. In this storybook, I do not have enough time to tell you about everything I've ever created, but I am going to tell you about some of my favorite inventions, and my interactions with characters throughout the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and more mythology. Have you heard of Lanka? Lanka is one of my favorite creations, and Lanka has fueled many wars and brought many heroes, gods, and rakshasas together. Each of these heroes, gods, and rakshasas typically ends up using some of my favorite creations on their journey to Lanka or while in Lanka. In fact, the Ramayana was heavily influenced by my creations, but I will tell you more about that later. Have you ever heard about the vimanas, which are flying chariots, or weapons I created? These inventions have also heavily influenced events in Lanka. I enjoy seeing how my inventions have influenced the history of Lanka, and India in general, and I hope you do too!

Bibliography

[1] "Vishwakarma Puja". Wikipedia.

[2] "Vishwakarman". Wikipedia.

[3] "Vishwakarma Puja 2019: Facts to Know About the Hindu Festival for the God of Architecture". News18

[4] "Vishwakarma Puja - The History, Significance, and Celebration in India". AstroguruOnline

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