Karkidakam the Season of Rejuvenation

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Introduction

Decades ago, ‘Karkidaka masam’ was marked by heavy rain, a time when people prayed to the Gods to prevent nature’s fury. As per Malayalam calendar, Karkidakom is the last month and often seen as the dark month of a year, before Chingam (Shravan) month and Onam arrive next month with spring, prosperity and blossoms. Karkidakom starts with July 17th according to Gregorian calendar and ends with August 16th. August 17 is ‘Happy new year’ to Keralites. With the coming of Karkidakam the monsoon rainfall enters its final phase in Kerala. The month witness heavy rainfall, diseases associated with it, lost food crops in rain and flood and of course, poverty if a family solely depends on soil and agriculture to earn a living. For a common man, it’s the season of tears as heavy floods take away their crops and they can’t go out and get work due to heavy rains. It’s the season of illness and contagious diseases too.

Even though Karkidakam was considered as the dark month of year, the same month also reflected as Holy month in the lives of Malayalies by observing and following various traditional holy rituals.  The below explained are the few way of life practiced during this season from decades ago.

Karkidaka Ayurvedic Treatment

Traditionally in Kerala, this period of the year is considered most ideal for undergoing Ayurveda based body rejuvenation therapies. The body is considered highly receptive to Ayurveda treatments during this period. There are various types of Ayurveda therapies that people undergo during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. And these therapies help an individual to go through the rest of the year by having a recharged and energized body and mind.

Ayurveda, a holistic system that rejuvenates not only the body but also the mind and soul, recommends Rithu Charya. It is the specific observance of diet and lifestyle suitable for each season to defend the body from the lashes of changing seasons. By following a strict routine, we can cancel the effect of the sudden transition from the scorching summer to the cool monsoons. Karkidakam is also the best time for rejuvenation therapies. During the rainy season, the bodys receptivity to medication is at its peak and hence therapies aimed at strengthening the body would be more effective. Karkidaka therapies can not only neutralize many diseases caused by the change in climatic conditions, but also can avoid health problems that spring from the modern way of life and faulty eating habits. Ayurvedic oil therapies and those prescribed under the Panchakarma treatment are recommended during this season for cleansing the body system. The traditional system of Ayurvedic medicines helps us to live in perfect harmony with the nature.

Karkkidaka Kanji

The season of monsoon is reflected with much of diseases and sufferings. The body needs to be rejuvenated at this time. Karkkidakam Kanji, a porridge made out of Ayurvedic medicines is a best food which is consumed by the Keralities during the month of Karkkidakam. This is considered as a good medicinal food to keep good health in the time of Karkkidakam. Due to the stopped agricultural jobs, the farmers who will be remaining in their homes will make this time for invigorating their body through such Ayurvedic practices.Karkkidaka Kanji is a traditional Ayurvedic blend which is used as a medicine for body purification since many centuries. The ingredients of Karkkidaka Kanji are boiled Navarra ari (rice), Jeerakam, Thiruthalli, Uzhinnigi, Bala, Attibala,Chathurjatham,Jathikka,Gathipathari,Danakam,Kalasam,Assalli,Satkuppa,Manjal.Kakkankaya, etThe ingredients are boiled using coconut milk or cow milk along with coconut jagarry and pinch of salt .The Karkkidaka Kanji can be consumed during early mornings or in dusk timings.

Karkidakam is the Month of Reading Ramayanam

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. Read More

Nalambalam Darsanam - Nalambalam Yatra(Pilgrimage)

The Naalambala Darshanam during the month of Karkkidakam is a worth notable pilgrimage. The Hindu religion focuses on the healthy and lovable relations among the kith and kin of one’s own families. If the bondings connecting the members are brittle, the family can’t stand rigid for a long time. Ramayana tells us the righteous and reputable relations among the four brothers Sree Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughna. The down to earth character of Lord Rama to leave the kingdom to his brother Bharatha, the dedicated effort of Lekshmana to follow the foot prints of Rama to forests, the unparalleled love and respect of Bharatha and Shatrughana to Rama is depicted in Ramayana. Read More  

Lakshmi Pooja - Sheepothi Orukkal

Karkkidakam is considered as the month of Goddess Lakshmi. Special poojas will be conducted during this month for pleasing Lakshmi Devi. On the last day of Mithunam, the Chetta (Jyeshta Devi,Alkshmi or Ashree) from the house is being thrown out.The interior and exterior of the house is thoroughly cleaned and old and damaged utensils, brooms , pots etc are blown or destroyed before the sunset. This is called Chettaye Purathakkal. Then the house is purified by sprinkling dung water (which is considered as sacred among Hindus) and make ready to welcome Mahalekshmi. Not only the exterior clean is done on this occasion but the purification of mind and body is also observed. Read More

Karkkidaka Vavu - Pithru Tharppanam

Amavasi or new moon day in Karkkidakam is called Karkkidaka Vavu and is famous for Pithru Tharppana or Vavubali. Vaavubali is a significant rite, which is performed, at the places of water bodies (rivers, lakes, sea) for the sake of the souls of ancestors and intimates. Bali-tharpanam' will be held with religious fervour at various temple ghats and other ‘theertha ghats' in Kerala. Usually Lakhs of people including women and children will offer ‘bali' at specially arranged ‘balippura' on the banks of the holy rivers, sea and ponds. Hindus believe that the ritual performed on the new moon day in the month of Karkidakom will propitiate the spirits of their forefathers and bring good fortune in the year ahead. Read More

Pilleronam (Onam of Children)

Pilleronam or Onam of Children is celebrated on Karkkidaka Thiruvonam day. This Onam is celebrated as a mini Onam. Pilleronam was a prominent ritual in Kerala once upon a time but had faded as years went by. Pilleronam was usually celebrated 27 days before Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam. It was believed that there would be a break of about 10 days from the rains in Karkkidakam month and Pilleronam was celebrated in one of these days. It is a shortened version of the Onam, sans the Onakkodi (new dress), Athapookkalam (floral decoration), etc. except the Onasadya (Onam feast). Read More

Ganapathy Homam and Bhagavathi Seva

Most of the temples in Kerala will conduct Ganapathy Homam in the morning and Bhagavthi Seva in the evening throughout Karkkidakam. This is to protect the villegers from natural calamities, illness etc. So offer a Ganapathy Homam and Bhagavathy Seva at your village temple for the wellness of your familiy and village.

Anayoottu and Sukha Chikitsa for Elephants

During Karkkidakam temples in Kerala will witness Anayoottu. Marking the beginning of the treatment season for elephants, a mass feast for elephants will be held at the Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur on Karkkidakam 1, attracting elephant lovers from far and wide. Freshly bathed jumbos with sandal-paste and vermilion on their foreheads will line up at the southern tower of the temple, to be fed with balls of rice mixed with ghee and turmeric, fruits, cucumber, dried coconut, sugarcane and jaggery. The occasion called `anayoottu' also offers the jumbo fans a chance to give a lump of candy or jaggery to the majestic animal. Similar feasts will be organised in other temples also.