Karkidaka Masam 2023: Discovering the History, Significance & Rituals

Did you know about the month of Karkidakam? It has various names and significance in Kerela. People call Karkidakam the “Ramayana Month” or the “Month of Rejuvenation.” During the Karkidakam Masam, heavy monsoon rains pour down. Therefore, it is a time for reflection, wellness, as well as acts of kindness. This month serves as a reminder to prioritise self-care and seek balance in our lives. Let’s explore the significance of Karkidakam and discover the customs and practices that make it such a special month in Kerala.

Karkidakam Masam 2023 Starting Date: July 17 2023 

Karkidakam Masam 2023 Ending Date: August 16 2023

Karkidaka Vavu Bali Date: July 17 2023

What is Karkidakam Masam?

Karkidakam is also known as Ramayana Masam in Kerala. It is the last month of the Malayalam calendar. It is the season of heavy rainfall in Kerala. The term Karkidakam in Malayalam comes from the Sanskrit word “Karkata”. This means “Cancer” or “Crab” in English. This is because the months of the Cancer sign are June and July, and Karkidakam also overlaps with the period. People say that this month belongs to the moon, which is why it is great for connecting with ourselves during this month.

People in Kerala follow unique traditions like reading the Ramayana, Ayurvedic treatments, as well as helping those in need during this month. As people cannot step out during heavy rains, they spend their time at home with their families. Therefore, people perform several rituals to connect with the gods as well as tap into their inner spirituality.

Significance of Karkidagam Masam

In ancient times, people considered the Karkidagam month the worst month of the year. This was because this month brought heavy rainfall. Due to heavy rains, people had to face high levels of discomfort in many areas of life. There was a spread of epidemics and diseases among the people of Kerala. There was a loss in cultivation also, which led to people facing difficulties with money and wealth. This was because the daily labourers could not work in such severe conditions.

No good or auspicious ceremonies like marriages and housewarmings took place during this month. People could also not buy land or vehicles because the rain affected all spheres of business as well. Therefore the Karkidakam month affected people in many negative ways. As a result, this made Karkidagam the month of rest. Since people had to stay home, they started devoting more time to prayers and spirituality. 

Hence, Karkidakam became a time for self-reflection as well as self-care. People believe that the monsoon season during Karkidakam is when the body is more vulnerable to illnesses as well as diseases. Therefore, people often follow specific Ayurvedic methods to protect themselves from diseases. They also consume medicinal preparations to boost immunity and maintain good health.

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Rituals during Karkidagam Masam

There are many rituals that people perform during Karkidagam. These are some of the most widely followed rituals to engage in self-care and connect with the gods.

Ayurveda

During this month, people connect with Ayurvedic practices. This month tells us the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet, especially in specific seasons. People do this to get rid of and also protect themselves from the harm that climatic change causes. During monsoons, the pores of our skin open up. Therefore, our skin can absorb the goodness of Ayurveda better during this period.

The month of Karkidakam is the best time to remove negativity from your life. By doing Ayurvedic remedies, you and your family can gain great overall benefits. It is a great way to revive your mind and body.

Karkidaka Vavu

Karkidaka Vavy, or Bali, is a very significant festival for Hindus in Kerela. This is because this is the day when you can connect with your ancestors. On this auspicious day, people pray for the well-being and Moksha of the spirits of their ancestors.

Many people across Kerela gather around religious water bodies like rivers and seashores to pay homage to their ancestors. They pray for their ancestors in the afterlife and seek their blessings for themselves and their families.

Karkidaka Kanji

Another very significant ritual of the Karkidagam Masam is Karkidaka Kanji. It is also called Oushada Kanji, which means that it is medicinal in nature. Kanji is a rice porridge which people consume during this month as a custom. It can help us fight illnesses and revives our bodies because of its magical properties. It includes a few medicinal leaves and spices.

Additionally, people prepare Karkidaka Kanji using a unique rice found only in Kerala. This is known as Njavara rice. Furthermore, people add medicinal herbs like Ayamodakam and Kurunthotti, etc. They also add cumin seeds, shallots and jaggery. People have used Karkidaka Kanji for more than thousands of years for the purification of the body and soul.

Ramayana Masam

Ramayana is one of the greatest Hindu epics that hold great religious significance. A unique tradition followed during Karkidaka is the reading of the Ramayana. During this month, people read Ramayana (Ramayana Parayanam) on all the days of the month. Hindus read this sacred text in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Many believe that reading or listening to the Ramayana during this month brings many benefits to the family. These include peace, knowledge as well as spiritual growth. During the Ramayana Masam, the recitation of Ramayana starts from the first day of the Karkidakam Masam and continues till the last day. Many households also organise group readings or participate in public recitations of the Ramayana.

Nalambalam Pilgrimage

Nalambalam pilgrimage is also a significant ritual during Karkidaka month. People offer prayers at the temples of Rama and his brothers, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. This is known as Nalambalam Darsan. Furthermore, they do it in a particular order within a single day. On this auspicious day, the journey begins in the hours of the morning, around 4 AM.

Pilgrims visit the Rama shrine first, and then they visit the temples of the other three brothers. People visit the shrines in a clockwise direction. This is also called pradakshina. People begin this pilgrimage with Triprayar Sree Rama Temple. Afterwards, they go to Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple, and Payammal Shathrughna Temple.

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How to Perform Karkidagam Masam

People perform Karkidagam or Ramayana masam and reading of Ramayanam during this period with great dedication. They perform it with a lot of care as well as devotion. Reading the Ramayanam also involves a routine which people strictly follow.

Families clean their homes and surroundings. They do this a week before the start of Karkidakam masam. This brings positivity as well as good energy to their houses.

People follow a strict vegetarian diet throughout the month. They also practice complete celibacy during Karkidagam. People even do not allow such thoughts to enter their minds.

Devotees also completely give up on negative habits. These include sleeping during the day as well as talking badly about someone. People also abstain from violence and ego because these will take away the benefits of spiritual practices.

Several religious organisations also organise plays as well as quiz competitions based on Ramayana during this month. This is a great way to teach the young about our holy epics. 

People read Ramayan during the Ramayana Masam in households as well as in Lord Vishnu temples.

All the members of the house gather after sunset. They do this every day during the Karkidakam Masam. Afterwards, they light the evening lamp, which is known as ‘Nilavilakku’ or the traditional Kerala lamp.

Then, they narrate the verses of ‘Adhyatma Ramayana’ (the Malayalam version of Ramayana). They also read the Ramayana in a way that ends on the last day of the Karkidaka Masam.

Conclusion

By honouring the traditions of Karkidakam, individuals in Kerala find mental peace and a deeper connection to their spirit and culture. This month serves as a reminder to prioritise self-care and seek balance in our lives. We encourage our readers to learn more about such festivals and rituals across our country. Do visit InstaAstro’s website and download the app to read more such interesting blogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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