Ramayana Masam

 

Ramayana Masam is a deeply spiritual observance celebrated primarily in Kerala during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which falls between July 17 and August 16 in 2025. It’s a time when households and temples immerse themselves in the teachings of the Ramayana, especially the Malayalam version called Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu, written by Thunchath Ezhuthachan.

Key Rituals and Practices

• Daily Ramayana Parayanam: Families gather after sunset, light the traditional Nilavilakku lamp, and recite verses from the Adhyatma Ramayanam.
• Temple Celebrations: Vishnu temples host recitations, discourses, and cultural programs centered around the Ramayana.
• Nalambalam Darshanam: Devotees visit four temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna in a single day—a cherished pilgrimage during this month.
• Karkidaka Vavu: The new moon day is reserved for ancestral rituals performed near water bodies.

Spiritual Significance

• Karkidakam is considered a “lean month,” not suitable for new ventures or ceremonies, but ideal for spiritual reflection, Ayurvedic treatments, and devotional practices.
• Devotees adopt a vegetarian diet, avoid negative habits, and focus on inner purification.

Temples to Visit During Ramayana Masam

The most revered pilgrimage during this month is the Nalambalam Yatra, a sacred circuit of four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers:

Temple	Deity	Location	Highlights
Triprayar Sree Rama Temple	Rama	Thrissur	Start of Nalambalam Yatra; famous for Meenuttu and Vedi Vazhipad offerings
Koodalmanikyam Temple	Bharata	Irinjalakuda	Only temple in India dedicated to Bharata; lotus garland (Thamaramala) offering
Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple	Lakshmana	Ernakulam	Ancient Vishnu temple; serene setting
Payammal Shatrughna Temple	Shatrughna	Thrissur	Smallest of the four; ends the yatra with Sri Chakra offering

Another popular set of Nalambalam temples is in Ramapuram, Kottayam, where all four temples are within a 3 km radius—ideal for completing the yatra before noon.

Scriptures to Read During Ramayana Masam

The central text for this observance is:

• Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu: A devotional Malayalam retelling by Thunchath Ezhuthachan, recited daily after lighting the Nilavilakku lamp.

Other enriching scriptures and versions include:

• Valmiki Ramayana: The original Sanskrit epic, ideal for deeper study.
• Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas: A poetic Hindi version, widely revered in North India.
• Kamba Ramayanam: Tamil version by poet Kambar, rich in literary beauty.
• Bhavartha Ramayana by Eknath: Marathi devotional interpretation.
• Yoga Vasistha: Philosophical dialogue between Rama and Sage Vasistha, for those seeking spiritual depth.