Kuldevta, Ishta Devta, Kul Purohit and Gau Grass.
For peace, harmony and prosperity of the entire family, it is important that the Ishta Devta is worshipped every day; Kul Devta worshipped at all ceremonies and celebrations; and daan (gift) given to the Kul Purohit at least once a year specially during the `Pitra Paksha' when we remember our ancestors. Kuldevta is considered as the God and Goddess prayed to by the family or whole clan during any ceremony. While IshtaDevta can be precise to each person, IshtaDevta is the individualDivinity who guides the soul to its real home- Moksha. These three along with `Gau gras' every day form the four pillars of the stability in the family. `Gau gras' is giving a roti every day, to a cow, dogs and crows or birds. `Gau-gras' is said to bless the family with " dhan, dhanya aur sumati" wealth, food and virtuous thoughts.
Kuldevta or Kuldevi, is the concept of family deity in Hinduism. This tradition is strictly followed by many Hindus but sadly, several Hindus also have lost this tradition or stopped following it. Vedic Rishis keeping in mind the future needs of people especially when people will drift away from studying of Vedas designed the concept of Kuldevta. Vedic Rishis very well knew that in future people under the influence of Kali Yuga would not be learning Vedas. To help them overcome the difficulties of not learning Vedas, the Rishis designed beeja mantras. Chanting of the beeja mantras helped people overcome difficulties. The mantra was primarily conceived to overcome all sort of weaknesses. When weaknesses were removed people attained peace and prosperity. Kuldevta/Kuldevi translates into family deity and every family have their own Kuldevta and Kuldevi for their "Kul" which is from generations and does not changes. This is the God or the Goddess whom one family (and extended family which is known as 'kul') are worshipping for generations and do all holy and auspicious work after worshipping their own Kuldevta. On all occasions the KulDevta is remembered, worshipped, and offerings made to him. #TheShivaTribe During such occasions no one will eat until the food for the KulDevta has been kept aside. It is a belief that your family deity is watching over you, protecting you from harm. Kuldevta pooja is a way for families to show their appreciation for all the blessings the deity has showered upon them and hope that he/she continues to do so. Today many people are not aware of their Kuldevta. They have lost contact with their roots. Most of the difficulties such people face can be alleviated if they can identify the Kuldevta and IshtaDevta. IshtaDevta can be identified with the help of a horoscope. Seek the help of astrologer. In case one is not sure of who your Ishta Devta is, in that case an individual should try to find out his special affinity to any particular deity. Your Ishta Devta is the one you get drawn to every time you visit temple, every time you pray or think of God, you feel a certain natural urge to be close that deity. You know He is the one, and accept him as your Ishta Devta!! Jai Maa Kali ~ Jai Shiva Shankar!!