What are the scriptural rules for performing Kanakabhishekam for the elders of our lineage? My daughter-in-law is currently pregnant. My mother is alive; my father has passed away. I am my mother’s eldest son; my eldest daughter is also pregnant now. Can Kanakabhishekam be performed for my mother, who has lost her husband? If it should not be performed, when should it be done? Can this be done even if I have a granddaughter?

Generally, our tradition has no rule stating that Kanakabhishekam must be performed. Even if it is to be done, it is customary to perform it when a son’s son’s son (i.e., a great-grandson through the male line) is born to a man. There is no custom of performing this separately for women. When there are pregnant women in our home, there is no custom of performing this until they give birth. If you still wish to perform it, please consult your family priest and proceed.