The last month of the Malayalam calendar, the Karkadakam, popularly known as the Ramayana Masam, was well-augmented at the Nerul Ashram from July 16, 2012 (Gregorian calendar). Known as the ‘month of scarcity’, it is also the time of the torrential monsoons of the South when the days are dull and gloomy. Health concerns are at a peak during this month. The Karkadaka month has long been identified as the month for preventive treatments and rejuvenation therapies due to this very reason. All these concerns entail seeking divine benediction.
As is traditionally done in Kerala to herald the Malayalam New Year (Chingam 1) with refreshing spiritual approach, the Ramayana was recited every morning of the month. Apart from the regular Pujas that were conducted on all Tuesdays and Fridays including the Bhagavati Seva,the Bhuvaneshwari Puja and others, a Pitru Shanti Puja or Pitru Tharpana was also conducted on July 18, 2012, the day of the ‘Karkadaka Vavu’ and Amavasya this year. This Puja is especially dedicated to our dead and departed ancestors.
The evening Pujas on Tuesdays and Fridays that started at 7.00pm consisted of chanting of the Guru Stotram, the Ashtothram, Lalita Sahasranama Stotram followed by singing of a few bhajans and the Mahishasura Mardini Stothram.