( The R in this word is not a consonat. It is the special vowel. The RI is pronounced as a vowel like RI in 'Kripa'or 'Krishna'. The first ch is pronounced like CH in 'much'. The second CH is pronounced like CH in 'chair'. Both the CHs form a conjunct consonant.)
Krichchram is the name of a method of observing a vow of expiation. It is often prescribed as a way of penitence for certain serious offences.
Krichchram is a way of restricted subsistence as a measure of expiation, essentially involving fasting. It means the way of eating a scanty food in a span of twelve days. During the first three days, one meal in the morning is allowed. during the second three days, one meal in the evening is allowed. During the last three days, nothing should be eaten, except what comes to him without any effort.
Similarly, the codes prescribe certain other expiations involving fasting like Chaandraayanam ( CH is pronounced like CH in 'much' and N is pronounced hard like N in 'turn'or 'morning'.)
It means, subsisting on food starting with one fistful a day and increasing by a fistful each day as the moon increases. Thus, on the fullmoon day, fifteen fistfuls are eaten. From then, food is reduced by a fistful each day as the moon decreases. Thus on the halfmoon day, only one fistful of food is eaten. Thus, a period of thirty days with such subsistence makes on Chaandraayanam. So many number of Chaandraayanams as are prescribed as expiation are to be observed by the sinners.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA