Menon Astrology

Decades ago, ‘Karkidaka masam’ was marked by heavy rain, a time when people prayed to the Gods to prevent nature’s fury. Times have changed and so have the prayers, but some traditions continue to be followed.

This year Karkidaka Masam, the last month in the traditional Malayalam calendar, starts on July 16 and ends on August 16.  The Sanskrit word Karkkidaka means cancer (in Malayalam Njandu).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The month, also known as the ‘Ramayana masam', is normally dedicated to reading the Ramayana and following other religious rituals. “The month represents a time when there is heavy rain and people read the Ramayana to build self-confidence during the difficult times.

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In the Hindu tradition, it is believed that the sage Valmiki completed the epic Ramayana during this month. Karkidaka masam (Karkidakam month/ Ramayana Masam) is the last and 12th month in Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. Karkidakam month is dedicated to dead ancestors and relatives during when Shraddh ritual or pitru tharpan or Bali rituals are offered to them on the Amavasi or no moon day at seashores or river banks. Karkidaka Vavu Bali (Pitru Tharpan rituals) is the major ritual followed in Malayalam month of Karkidakam in Kerala. Karkidaka Vavu Bali 2017 date is July 23rd. It marks the Sun’s transition to Karkidaka rashi from Mithuna rashi.

 

To welcome the Malayalam New Year (Chingam Month 1 or Chingam 1) with refreshing spiritual approach, Ramayana is recited till the last day of Karkidaka month. Malayala month of Karkidakam 2017 corresponds with Aadi month in Tamil calendar, Shravan masam in Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Gujrati calendars. It coincides with Shravan month and Bhadrapad month in North Indian Hindi calendars and Bengali Shraban month.

 

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.

 

Marriges, new undertakings etc are not held during the month of Karkkidakam.

 

Almost in all the temples especially Vishnu temples, Ramayana is recited during the month of Karkkidakam. It will purify the mind and the penance in this month will sanitize the illness of body, which in turn results spiritual purification of body and mind.