Karkkidaka and Ramayana

In Kerala during Karkkidaka month its a ritual of hindus to read Ramayana. Ramayana tells the story of Sri rama who is the incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu. When we go through this book we can see relations and problems in our life. Even though Sri rama was the incarnation of god he suffered lot of problems in his life. The reading of Ramayana will start on the first day of Karkkidaka and ends on the last day of the month.
Karkkidaka is the rainy season in Kerala. Its also the time for Aayurvedic rejuvanation. According to Ayurveda we must take prevention to illness during this season. As a part of that prevention 'marunnu kanji' porridge made with rice and medicine is taken and ladies adorn their hair with 'Dashapushpam'. We must take more leaves in this season. 'Pathilakkari' a curry made with ten leaves is also a special dish of this time.
Ramayana reading cleanses our mind too. We can hear ramayana from temples. Aakashvani and TV channels transmit various programs based on Ramayana. Ramayana reading of Kavalam Sreekumar is excellent. Ramayana is written in Sanskrit by the saint Valmiki. We read Adhyatma Ramayana written by Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachn based on Valmiki Ramayana. Ezhuthachan wrote this as 'Kilipattu' a parrot is the main character telling the story of Ramayana.

Kandas in Ramayana

1. Balakanda
Balakanda starts with salute to Ganapathi, Saraswathi and Brahmadeva. Through this kanda we can read the birth of Sri rama and brothers.
2. Ayodhya kanda
This kanda we can read the magnificent description of the marriage of Sri rama and brothers. In this we can see the cruelty of Kaikeyi and Manthara who opposes the crowning of Sri rama.
3. Aaranya kanda
As the name indicates its the life in forest. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana meets saints living in the forest and they choose a permanent shelter inside the forest. The golden deer of Maricha and Ravana comes at the end. Kidnapping of Sita is the main happening in this kanda.
4. Kishkindaha kanda
In this comes Sugreeva, bali and hanuman. Kishkindha is their country name.
5. Sundara kanda
This kanda mainly explains the activites of Hanuman. Its a tough task to read this kanda.
6. Yudha kanda
It explains Rama Ravana yudha. At last Sri rama returns to Ayodhya with Sita Lakshmana and Hanuman.

When we go through it daily we can see more spiritual principles hidden in this story. Our perceptions change every day. Ramayana is our holibook. We must salute the book before we must start reading. Stick to vegetarianism during this month. All these rituals keep our mind and body healthy.