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The People of Kerala and the Ramayana in the Month of Karkidakam


The people of Kerala read the Ramayana during the month of Karkidakam, which is also known as Ramayana month. I discovered something surprising: throughout India, this month is given great significance only in Kerala. This month is famous for dark clouds and heavy rains, and it's believed that people read the Ramayana to build self-confidence during these difficult days. The Ramayana, written by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan in Malayalam and known as Adhyatma Ramayana, is read in every Hindu home in the evenings. It is also recited in all temples of Kerala, both mornings and evenings, every day for one month. Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, considered the father of Malayalam language and literature, translated both great epics into Malayalam for the first time. Due to superstitious beliefs, they were not directly translated but written as 'Kilippaattu' (song of a bird), creating a new branch of literature. Since Karkidakam is considered the dark month, people give much importance to reading the Ramayana in front of a deepam (light), filling their minds with devotional thoughts.

The Story of Ramayana

India is well-known for its rich culture, traditions, mythological stories, and religious diversity worldwide. Stories like the Ramayana are deeply ingrained in the sensibilities of Indian people and play a vital role in preaching the ideal way of living. The Ramayana is an epic that underscores the importance of brotherhood, sacrifices for loved ones, righteousness, culture, humility, and simple living with a touch of sacredness. More than just a mythological tale, the Ramayana imparts lessons about our heritage and significant historical events. The full story recounts Prince Rama’s journey, with the help of an army of monkeys, to rescue his beloved wife, Sita, from the great monarch of Lanka, Ravana.

https://bygopika.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-people-of-kerala-and-ramayana-in.html

Origin and History 

The Ramayana epic was written in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki many years ago to teach Lord Rama’s sons, Luv and Kush. The Ramayana has been adapted into several Indian languages, each version adding to its richness and cultural significance.

The Valmiki Ramayana is a literary and religious epic poem that has gained immense popularity worldwide for its poetic quality. It is a literary treasure of India, now popular in many countries. Originally written in Sanskrit around 300 BCE, it has since been translated and adapted into many languages. The Ramayana holds a special place in the hearts of religious people and literature lovers.

The Literary Significance of the Ramayana

The Ramayana is not just a religious document but also a historical one, offering social, political, diplomatic, and religious teachings. Valmiki’s poetic genius is evident in his use of language, which resonates with literature lovers and critics alike. The epic poem comprises seven parts, known as kandas:

  1. Bala or Adhi Kanda
  2. Ayodhya Kanda
  3. Aranya Kanda
  4. Kishkindhya Kanda
  5. Sundara Kanda
  6. Lanka Kanda
  7. Uttara Kanda

The story revolves around Ramachandra, an emblem of honesty and dedication. The lifestyle of Ramachandra and his brothers, as depicted in the epic, is considered ideal by readers and lovers of the Ramayana. The activities of all characters in the epic offer insights into various aspects of real life, making the Ramayana relevant even in the 21st century. It is a powerhouse of knowledge, language, and literary criticism, filled with literary terms and mythological elements.

https://bygopika.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-people-of-kerala-and-ramayana-in.html

My grandmother used to read the Ramayana every Karkidakam month. Upto Pattabhishekam of the Ramayana would be read during the month. According to Hindu mythology, reading the Ramayana is a simple and profound way to attain Moksha. Youth from different Hindu samajams often form groups to recite the Ramayana in every Hindu home in their region, showcasing its importance even among the younger generation. In my school days we used to have Ramayana Parayanam in Assembly and also programs will be conducted during this month with Ramayana Parayanam competition, quiz from Ramayanam story etc.. to make studenrs more familiar with Ramayana. The sight of Ramayana readings in every temple in Kerala is spectacular this month. 

But why Karkidakam? We need to talk about why Karkidakam is considered a sacred month, reading Ramayana, and going to temple especially nalambalam. Maybe in the next blog.

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