In today's article we are going to talk about Kuladevata, a topic that has sparked great interest over the years. Kuladevata is an issue that has captured the attention of many due to its relevance in today's society. It doesn't matter if you are an expert in the field or if you have barely heard of Kuladevata, this article will provide you with key information and help you better understand all aspects related to this topic. Along these lines, we will explore different aspects of Kuladevata, from its origin to its impact today, to give you a complete and detailed perspective on this important issue. Don't miss this opportunity to enter the exciting world of Kuladevata!
Such a deity is often the object of one's devotion (bhakti), and is coaxed to watch over one's clan (kula), gotra, family, and children from misfortune. This is distinct from an ishta-devata (personal tutelar) and a grāmadevatā (village deities).
Male kuladevatas are sometimes referred to as a kuladeva, while their female counterparts are called a kuladevi.
Etymology
The word kuladevata is derived from two words: kula, meaning clan, and devata, meaning deity, referring to the ancestral deities that are worshipped by particular clans.
Veneration
The deity can be represented in a male or a female human, an animal, or even an object, like a holy stone. It is believed that rituals done at a kuladeva/kuladevi temple benefits all those genetically connected with the one performing the ritual.[citation needed] Kuladaivams of the Shaiva tradition are often considered to be forms of Shiva and Parvati, while those of the Vaishnava tradition are often regarded to be forms of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Hindu families make a pilgrimage to the kuladevata or kuladevi temple to obtain the blessing of the deity after an auspicious occasion, such as a wedding. Kuladevatas are worshipped in several sects of Hinduism and Jainism.
Due to the veneration of holy men (babas) in several regions of the subcontinent, several communities consider such men to be their kuladevatas in the place of a deity.
In western India, some communities regard local monarchs who belonged to their clan to be their kuladevata.
List
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the various kuladevatas revered in different regions of the Indian subcontinent:
Nepal
The kuldevata (Nepali: Kuldeuta कुलदेउता) in many hilly Nepalese families are often local dieties worshipped by the people before the arrival of Hinduism in the region. For those of Khas descent, this is often the 12 Masto gods or one of the 9 Durga Bhawanis, which include:
Bawira Masto
Dare Masto
Kamal Masto
Leudi Masto
Rumal Masto
Channa Masto
Winayak Masto
Khapar Masto
In some parts of far western Nepal ( Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Daleldhura and Darchula districts of Farwest Nepal), Few people worship Kedar as a kul Devta along with bhawani kul devi.
Badi Kedar
Bitthad Kedar
Dogada Kedar
Raula Kedar
Gwallek Kedar etc.
Northern India
Uttar Pradesh
Some of the Primary Kuladevatas of Uttar Pradesh include:
^ul Hassan, S. S. (1920). The Castes and Tribes of HEH the Nizam's Dominions (Vol. 1). Asian educational services. pp. 49, 46, 88, 97, 109, 118, 183, 234, 280, 622, 616, 556, 595, 407, 304, 370, 338.
^Glushkova, I., 2006. Moving God (s) ward, calculating money: Wonders and wealth as essentials of a tīrtha-yātrā. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 29(2), pp.215-234.
^Gupta, R.R., 2007. Wada of Maharashta, an Indian courtyard house form. Cardiff University (United Kingdom).