We don’t know our kula-devatā — what should we do?

ask elders and relatives, check ancestral-village and tīrtha records, and meanwhile pray to your iṣṭa-devatā on the kula-devatā’s behalf — nothing is lost.

Many families lose track of the kula-devatā after migration, a generation or two in cities, or the early loss of elders. This is very common, and there is no need to feel guilty or afraid.

Ways to find out: ask the oldest relatives on the father’s side, including distant cousins and married aunts, who often remember wedding or muṇḍana visits; ask people from the ancestral village or community association; look at old wedding cards or photographs; and consult the tīrtha-purohitas (paṇḍās) at places like Haridwar, Prayāga or Gayā, many of whom keep genealogy registers by family name and village.

Until you know, keep a coconut or small kalaśa in the mandir as the kula-devatā’s place and pray, “May this reach our kula-devatā.” Many traditions also say worship of Gaṇeśa or your iṣṭa-devatā with this intention reaches them. If your situation is specific, Ask Chiluka.

Tīrtha paṇḍās keep family genealogy registers · Source: common family practice

Dharma Q&A — worship at home · Ask a Jyotishi your own question