The Family Deity That Protected the Clan

Tradition and Worship of the Family Deity

In this story, Kanakasabai and Abitha maintained the tradition of worshiping their family deity just as their ancestors did. Their family deity was at Vaitheeswaran temple. Every day, they would make offerings in the family deity’s collection box and pray for the protection of their clan before going to bed. Every time they visited the family deity’s temple, they would leave on Monday mornings and reach the temple by evening. After receiving permission to light the “maavilakku” (sacred lamp made of rice flour) the following day as part of their offering, they would spend the night in the village.

The next morning, after bathing in the temple’s pond, they would light the lamp and sit near it, praying until the flame cooled down. After this, they would visit the sanctums to perform all the abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) and worship. By the evening, they would return to their hometown, Nagapattinam. That night, they would stay there, and the next morning they would conduct a special worship for Vaitheeswaran at their home, offer the prasad to the deity, leave a portion for the crow (a ritualistic offering), and only then partake of the food before returning home. This tradition had been followed for generations and was being upheld by Kanakasabai and Abitha even then.

As a result, their lives were always prosperous, and they progressed smoothly to each stage of life. The grace of the family deity ensured that no hardships came into their lives because the deity’s blessings acted like a ladder, guiding them through every step of life.

Parvathi’s Lack of Devotion

One special boon granted to this family was that, when it was time for someone’s life to come to an end, they would visit Vaitheeswaran, complete the ritual worship, make an offering on the final night, and sleep peacefully, eventually reaching Vaitheeswaran. This blessing had been a tradition in the family for generations.

Parvathi, Kanakasabai’s daughter-in-law, had no devotion towards Vaitheeswaran. Abitha tried slowly to bring about a change in her, but Parvathi remained firm in her own ways, showing no sign of devotion. However, whenever Abitha worshiped her family deity, she prayed for her daughter-in-law to have faith and devotion towards the deity, believing they could be a source of support for her.

Abitha’s Final Days and the Deity’s Grace

As Abitha’s final days drew near, the family deity orchestrated a divine play. According to the family’s tradition, when a person’s time is close, they are called to the temple for worship. Following this custom, the deity guided them to complete the ritual worship, and on that very night, Abitha attained the holy feet of the deity. The family deity continually watches over the family, ensuring their well-being and progress. It is our duty to remember and honour our family deity, following the traditional customs to receive its blessings.

The Importance of Worshipping the Family Deity

If one neglects the family deity, or if the family does not have the deity’s grace, how can this be identified? When a child is born, if Venus (Sukran) is in the ascendant (Lagna), or is positioned in the seventh house viewing the Lagna, or if Venus is associated with the lord of the Lagna or views the lord of the Lagna, it indicates that the family does not have the grace of the family deity at the time of the child’s birth.

If the horoscope shows such combinations, the family should immediately resume worshiping their family deity. Even if one is unaware of their family deity, they should travel to the village where their ancestors lived, ask around, and find out. If any of their ancestors’ descendants are still living there, they should inquire and identify their family deity, and fulfill the rituals.

Every year, either whenever possible or at least once a year, it is mandatory to worship the family deity. By worshiping the family deity in this manner, the family will always receive its grace.

Read this short story by Vinothini S, if you would want to know more about the benefits of praying to your own family deity.

For a more generic understanding of Karma, please read this.

Thank you!