It is one of the most unfortunate things that has happened to the Hindu society that people have stopped worshipping their Kul-devta(S)/devi(S), what to speak of worshipping, people do not even have the accurate information about their Kula (family).
Even Brahmins are seen without shikha (tuft of hair) and sutra (sacred thread {Janeu}), this is certainly degradation of our society that we think that we can please our Ishta devta or attain Moksha or be happy without following Kula dharma.
Basically Ishta Devta differs from person to person, Ishta devta is the deity to whom a person is most enticed and wants to achieve, while Kula-devta is the deity of the Kula (family), which means the deity who has been being worshipped for many centuries by our ancestors, and in reciprocation in comparison to others the Kula-devta gets pleased way brisk and acts like one of the family members.
The worship of Kula-devta results in strong devotion towards Ishta-devta too, and it is very fortunate if one’s Kula and Ishta devta are one.
The blessings of Kula-devta shall be seek before start of any important phase of life such as marriage, birth of a child, job, studies, buying a new house etc.
If one’s residence is near the temple (main) of Kul-devta then it is very favorable otherwise one shall bring the mud from the temple of Kula-devta and shall place a picture or a murti (idol) of the devta and at least offer 5 ingredients daily along with heartfelt prayers.
The 5 ingredients are-
Dhoop (incense)
Deep (Fire lamp with ghee {clarified butter})
Gandha (Sandalwood paste, can be mixed with saffron, camphor etc,)
Pushpa (flowers)
Naivedya (food).
We shall also publish a thread on Kula dharma, in the future. This thread was posted in the hope that at least one person will start worshipping their Kula-Devta, which are nearly forgotten now, or will at least inquire about this subject matter.