Ramayana Month begins

It is Karkkidakom first today; the first day of great Ramayana Month for Hindus in Kerala. The month is very much special for Keralites. It is the last month in Malayalam calendar. The month is also dedicated to dead ancestors by an offering called Pitru Tarpanam. Karkkidaka Vavu Bali (Pitru Tarpanam ritual) is the major ritual in the state. It falls on July 18 this year.

The sacral reading of Ramayana during this month in Hindus’ homes is common in the state. This practice has been stemmed from the belief that it will create peace and prosperity in the home.

Nalambala Darshanam (obeisance at four sacred pilgrimages) during Karkkidakom is believed to be a Punyam (heavenly reward of holiness). The Nalambalam is of Rama and his brothers Bharatha, Lakshmana and Satrugna.

The worshipping and praying at Sree Rama Temple at Triprayar, Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda, Satrugna’s at Paayammal and Lakshmana Temple at Moozhikulam in a single day in a single stretch is the practice. After the Darshan at Triprayar in the morning the devotees are supposed to worship at Paayammal before noon.

The pilgrimage to Nalambala has to begin with Sree Rama Temple at Triprayar. Bharatha is the first brother of Rama. The next worship is there to Bharatha. The second brother is Lakshmana. It therefore necessitates the next worship at Moozhikulam where Lakshmana is. The final worship is to Satrugna at Paayammal.