“Sree Rama Rama Rama,Sree Ramachandra Jaya
Sree Rama Rama Rama Sree Ramabhadra Jaya
Sree Rama Rama Rama Sree Sithabhirama Jaya
Sree Rama Rama Rama Lokabhirama Jaya
Sree Rama Rama Rama Ravananthaka Jaya
Sree Rama Mama Hridi Ramatham Rama Rama”
These verses will be reverberating along with the chilling torrential rain showers of south west monsoon, with extreme divinity and spiritual fervor, on every house of Kerala, from the commencement of the righteous month, Karkkidakam popularly known as Ramayana Masam (month). Karkkidakam is the last month in Malayalam Calendar or Kollavarsham. The Sanskrit word Karkkidaka means cancer (in Malayalam Njandu). In Tamil calendar Karkkidakam correspond to Aadi masam.
Ramayana Masam
Karkkidakam is referred as the Ramayana Masam, which starts on 17th July and ends on 16th August. As the name specify, this holy month is destined for undertaking pious Vratham and recitation of Adhyathma Ramayanam Kilippattu: the epic life of Lord Sree Rama, which is the most virtuous and conversant contribution from Thunjathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, called as the Father of Malayalam Language. He was born in Malappuram district in Kerala about 450 years ago. The tradition of reciting Ramayanam started from 16th century, when Ezhuthachan wrote Adhyatma Ramayana in the form of Kilippatuu ( narrated by parrot ) in pure and simple Malayalam language which was easily accepted by common people of Kerala, to whom, the grammatically moulded Manipravalam style of literatures was not at all perceivable at that time. The Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippatuu was uncomplicated and also simple to understand by the lay men. Through Ramayanam Kilippatuu, Ezhuthachan gave Malayalam Language an innovative measurement and trail, which is following till now. The ferocious plunge of the rains in the month of Karkkidaka brings out many discomforts in the forms of ailments, scarcity, dearth, destructions etc. During this month the agrarian population of Kerala receives a retarded production in crops and other rural food products.
The month of Karkkidakam is often referred as “Panja Masam” (the month of extreme scarcity) in traditional Malayalam language. A shade of discontent will make its triumph due to these factors. Ramayana recitation during this time is considered as a propitious practice that will mend all the discomforts and agony both to the individuals and community. An unrivaled spiritual solace can be attained through the habitual and devoted reading of Ramayana during the 31 days of Karkkidakam. Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippatuu is recited in homes and temples during the month of Karkkidakam. The reader should sit in the front of lighted lamp (Nilavilakku) and read the verses in particular rhythm. It is recommended that the book must be completed on the last day of Malayalam Month.Marriges, new undertakings etc are not held during the month of Karkkidakam.
