Kuladevata
What is a Kuladevata?
Kuldev – Konkani for ‘family deity’ with kul meaning family or clan, and dev meaning deity
A Kuladevata, or a Kuldev, as the GSBs call it, is a deity that a family believes is their main deity. Every family has a Kuldev, and the respective Kuldevs may be different from each other. The Kuldev is believed to be the main deity that is prayed to, and the protector deity of the family.
How do I find my Kuldev, and why is it important?
In order to find ones Kuldev, it is encouraged to talk with other family members and to aks them for the Kuldev. If it is unknown, it is customary to consult an astrologer to find out your Kuldev through your horoscope, or to visit your native temples in order to find out.
Some of the most frequent Kuldev dieties include :
- Shri Shanta Durga
- Shri Vijaya Durga
- Shri Mahalasa Narayani
Each family is believed to have a “clan god” (Kuldev) one that watches over them, and helps them in times of need. Thats why it is recommended to find the family diety, and to set up an altar to them, so that you are able to pray to them to attain blessings and in times of illness and hardship for strength and recovery.
How do I worship my Kuldev?
It is customary to set up a small altar in the home, with a Murthi or a statue of the deity, or a picture of the deity. It is also customary to perform Aarti to the deity, and to offer Prasadam or flowers to the deity during Puja days. If you are unable/unwilling/unsure on how to perform puja, it is encouraged to at least recite shlokas to the deity with a calm mind. This can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, however it is encouraged to visit the temple of the Kuldev once a year to pay respects and to gain blessings. You can pray to the Kuldev at the temple, and can also offer Hundi, or an offering, to the temple.
