Pushpaka Vimana- Hindu ArtifactArtifact"The Flower Chariot"
Also known as: Pushpaka, Pushpak Viman, पुष्पक विमान, and Puṣpaka Vimāna
Description
Flying palace built by Vishvakarma and seized from Kubera by Ravana, who used it to carry the kidnapped Sita across the ocean to Lanka. After slaying Ravana, Rama flew the Pushpaka home to Ayodhya, then returned it to Kubera. He would not keep what was not his.
Mythology & Lore
Kubera's Palace
The Pushpaka Vimana was fashioned by Vishvakarma, architect of the gods, and given to Kubera, god of wealth. The Ramayana describes it as a vast aerial palace adorned with gold and crystal, overflowing with the celestial flowers from which it takes its name. It moved at the speed of thought and expanded to hold any number of passengers.
Ravana invaded Lanka, expelled his half-brother Kubera, and seized the Pushpaka along with everything else. Kubera retreated to the Himalayas.
The Abduction
It was aboard the Pushpaka that Ravana carried Sita from the Dandaka forest across the ocean to Lanka. The bird-king Jatayu intercepted Ravana in mid-flight and fought to rescue her before being cut down.
The Return to Ayodhya
After slaying Ravana, Rama accepted the Pushpaka for his journey home. It carried Rama, Sita, and their allies northward across the ocean and the subcontinent to Ayodhya. Upon arriving, Rama returned the Pushpaka to Kubera, refusing to keep what was not rightfully his.
Relationships
- Associated with