Why is Ezhuthachan's 'Adhyathma Ramayanam' read during Karkidakam month?

For Malayalis, the month of Karkidakam, the last month in the Malayalam almanack which is known for its torrents and challenges, is the month of Ramayana, a time to overcome difficulties with spiritual strength. Devotees, especially elders, recite ‘Adhyathma Ramayanam’ authored by medieval devotional poet Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. This is the period for most Hindus to lead a spiritual life with prayers and offerings to Lord Rama to counter the adversities in life. Know more about Adhyathma Ramayanam Kilippattu and its author.

Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is a Malayalam poet believed to have lived during the 16th century, born in Tirur, Malabar. The present-day ‘Thunchan Parambu’ in Tirur and ‘Gurumadham’ in Palakkad’s Chittur serves as memorials dedicated to him. He is believed to have spent his final days in Chittur. Legend surrounds Ezhuthachan, based on his birth and identity, who is believed to have faced opposition from Brahmins but was revered for his wisdom. Despite challenges, he boldly composed the Ramayana, overcoming objections to establish himself in the field of knowledge.

In Malayalam, there were various poetic traditions before him. However, he is hailed as the father of the Malayalam language for systematising it and imbuing it with eloquence and beauty. He had a remarkable ability to blend Sanskrit with Malayalam, thereby enriching the language. Contrary to popular belief, he did not directly translate Valmiki's Ramayanam. Instead, he modelled his work on the Sanskrit text ‘Adhyatma Ramayanam’, the authorship of which remains uncertain; however, some attribute it to a poet called Ramananda.

Ezhuthachan’s rendition can be considered more than a mere translation—it's in fact a transcreation, faithfully adopting Adhyatma Ramayanam while infusing it with his own imaginative touches. Drawing from various sources including Kamba Ramayanam, Ramacharitham, and Kannassaramayanam, all within and beyond Malayalam literature, he epitomised the role of a transcreator in shaping the narrative of Ramayanam in Malayalam.

Ezhuthachan's ‘Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu’ (kilippattu’ means song sung by a bird, usually a parrot, a subgenre of poetry) is a devotional epic poem, emphasising Rama's divinity. In contrast, Valmiki Ramayanam portrays Rama primarily as a human king. The goal of the Sanskrit Adhyatma Ramayanam and subsequently Ezhuthachan's Ramayanam was to foster devotion among people. Ezhuthachan's elevated status today, including being revered as the father of Malayalam language, partly stems from the 19th century, when printing, particularly by foreign missionaries, highlighted the importance of authors. They sought to establish authorship in Malayalam literature, elevating figures like Ezhuthachan in their efforts to promote literacy and cultural identity.

By the end of the 19th century, notable publishers recognised the significant printing potential of Ezhuthachan's Ramayanam, leading to tens of thousands of copies being printed, marking a significant development in print capitalism. Consequently, the Ramayanam reached every household, highlighting its widespread circulation. Many of his works were distributed through palm leaf manuscripts even before this. These have been discovered in various parts of Kerala, and even in Kanyakumari.

The Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu gained immense popularity through widespread mechanical reproduction in modern times. Literary critics suggest that the reading of the text during the month of Karkidakam is a tradition that started later on, although the exact timing remains uncertain. One significant reason for its popularity is Ezhuthachan's role in adapting Sanskrit into Malayalam. Legend has it that King Ambalapuzha requested the poet to translate the Sanskrit Adhyathma Ramayanam. 

An important impact Ezhuthachan brought to Kerala through his Ramayanam was the transferring of spirituality from temples to homes. He basically enabled people beyond Brahmins and Kshatriyas, including women, to foster devotion and worship outside temple settings and inside their homes. This shift extended to observing the Karkidakam month as Ramayanam month, with a belief that chanting Raman's name at home could lead to salvation for anyone. This change was significant in bringing religious practice from the temple to households.

Ezhuthachan, the visionary poet of 16th-century Malayalam literature, thus, transformed cultural and spiritual practices in Kerala. His enduring legacy as the father of Malayalam language and his profound influence on devotional literature, particularly through his adaptation of Adhyatma Ramayanam, continues to resonate, bridging the spiritual realm from temples to every Malayali household.