Why Karkidakam is Considered a Sacred Month?

The Malayalam month of Karkidakam is known for its intense prayers, fasting, and austere lifestyle. Devotees across Kerala recite the Ramayana every day during this month, carrying out rituals believed to bring spiritual and mental benefits. This month is marked by heavy rains and the transition of the sun from one 'rasi' to the next, an event called 'sankramam'. This period, filled with rituals like lighting traditional lamps and chanting prayers to the Sun, is considered highly auspicious.

Importance of Karkidakam

Karkidakam, falling during the peak of the monsoon, is associated with a heightened risk of illnesses due to the weather conditions. This month is seen as a time for rejuvenation and preparation for the new year starting in Chingam. Traditionally, people use this time to purify their minds and bodies through Ayurvedic treatments such as uzhichil (massaging), medicinal therapies, and consuming Karkidaka Kanji, a special medicinal porridge. The Malayalam calendar, or 'Kollavarsham', which began around 825 AD, places equal importance on both Karkidakam and Chingam, viewing Karkidakam as a period of cleansing to welcome the new year with a fresh, healthy start.

Ramayana Masam 

Karkidakam is often referred to as the Ramayana Masam (Ramayana Month) because families gather around the nilavilakku (traditional lamp) in the evenings to read the Ramayana. This practice is not only about learning the epic's values but also about gaining the strength to face the hardships that come with the heavy rains of Karkidakam. 

Scientific Reasons 

Karkidakam marks the start of Dakshinayana, the second half of the Hindu year when the sun moves southward. This shift is believed to affect health, lowering immunity and digestive powers. Therefore, the combination of worship, fasting, and rituals during this month is aimed at boosting health and achieving mental peace. Oushada Kanji, a herbal gruel consumed during this month, aids in body purification and is made with rice and various herbal ingredients boiled in coconut or cow's milk with jaggery.

Why Chant the Ramayana During Karkidakam?

To counter the negative energy brought by the harsh monsoon and its impact on well-being, elders introduced the tradition of reading the Ramayana. This spiritual practice serves as a form of cleansing and strengthens family bonds. Unlike many religious texts that preach principles directly, the Ramayana presents them through the life of Lord Rama, showing how one can uphold virtues amidst life's challenges. It is a guide on family relationships, leadership, and righteous living, teaching valuable lessons through its narrative.

I remember my grandmother reading the Ramayana every evening. She maintained a clean and serene space. Fresh flowers, lit brass lamps, and her soft, rhythmic reading of the epic created a tranquil atmosphere. Her face seemed to glow with a peaceful radiance as she read, a reflection of the inner calm the Ramayana brought her. She would read a few chapters each day, pausing only when tired, and resume the following evening with the same dedication.

'Bhava' in Reading the Ramayana

Reading the Ramayana is more about the emotion and devotion behind it than the ritual itself. The true essence lies in immersing oneself in the story, feeling the love and pain of the characters deeply. This emotional connection unleashes a divine energy within, providing inner cleansing and spiritual growth. Simply going through the motions without heartfelt engagement misses the profound impact the Ramayana can have. The wisdom of our elders highlights that true devotion in reading this holy text can lead to salvation, offering a pathway to forget worldly troubles and focus solely on the divine narrative.

The month of Karkidakam is rich with rituals and traditions aimed at spiritual and physical rejuvenation. I look forward to write these practices in more detail in future blogs.