Adhik Maas or Adhika Maas is an extra lunar month, also known as Purushottam Maas or Mal Maas. It is the best time for religious activities and getting relief if suffering from Pitra Dosha problems.
Avoid auspicious events, ceremonies, starting a new venture. Do not purchase a new house or vehicle.
Purushottam Maas is one of the best periods for chanting mantras, keeping fast, and doing charity.
But one should avoid all kinds of auspicious ceremonies, Namakaran (naming a newborn baby), Mundan Sanskar (first-time haircut).
This period is not good for engagement, and marriage.
Do not start any kind of new finance-related investments.
Avoid Griha-Pravesh (shifting to a new house), laying the foundation of a house.
However, birthdays and wedding anniversaries can be celebrated during the Adhik Maas.
Dates for Adhik Maas/ Purushottam Maas 2023
This year’s extra month is Shravan Adhik Maas, which begins on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. This Adhik Maas or Adhik Masa ends on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Adhik Maas does not occur in the following two months:
Kartik Maas and Magh Maas.
This is the additional or thirteenth month of the Vedic lunar calendar. According to the Hindu(Vedic) Lunar Calendar, Adhika Maas occurs once, approximately after every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 Ghati.
When the accumulated difference of certain days and time exceeds the real solar year, an adjustment is made with an extra or additional month (Adhik Maas).
Significance of Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas
Significance: Certain days within Adhik Maas hold special significance. Purnima (Full Moon Day), Amavasya (new Moon Day), and Ekadashi (the eleventh day of Lunar fortnight) are considered particularly significant.
Additionally Monday or Somvar (the day of Lord Shiva) and Saturday or Shanivar( the day of Lord Hanuman) are also considered auspicious.
Extra Shravan Maas starts on Tuesday, 18th July 2023, and occurs as an Adhik Shravan Maas or Purushottam Maas 2023 (18 July to 16 August).
Adhik Shravan Maas 2023
In 2023, this significant event is occurring after nineteen years. There will be eight Sawan Somvar and nine Mangala Gauri Vrat.
That is why this Adhik Maas is considered very significant for Jap, Daan, Puja, and meritorious acts to nullify the effects of Pitra Dosha.
The two Shravan months (one Adhik or extra month) occurs due to the absence of Surya Sankranti between two Paksha.
This year Shravan Maas has 59 days. That is why people will have eight Mondays (Sawan Somvar Vrat) and nine Tuesdays (Mangala Gauri Vrat) for observing fast and performing Puja.
Meaning of Adhik Maas
The name of this extra month is Adhik Maas or Adhika Maas, as Adhika means extra, more, additional, or great. Thus Adhika Maas means an additional month.
Adhika Maas is a kind of Mal Maas, also known as Adhik Maas, Purushottam Maas, Mal Maas, Malli Machha, and Adhika Masam.
A child born in Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas is considered good or bad?
If a child is born in Purushottam Maas or Adhik Maas, he or she will be very lucky.
Purushottam Maas’s name is after God Vishnu’s name Purushottam and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Duration of inauspicious Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas
There will be two Shravan months, in 2023.
No Surya Sankranti between two Pakshas during Adhik Maas:
Surya Sankranti or Surya Sankranti, which means there is no transitMovement of planets in the sky in real time More of Sun into any of twelve signs, during this specific period of one month between two Paksha, i.e. Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha.
This period is considered an inauspicious Adhik Maas or month for starting a new event such as Mundan, or Namkaran Sanskar. During this particular period of Shravan Maas, the Shravan Adhik Maas (first month) duration will be almost one month (additional month).
The next Shravan month will be Nij Shravan Maas, which is a good month. Thus there will be 13 months, in one Lunar year, one Adhik Shravan Maas (extra month), and the next one will be a real Shravan Maas.
Daan and Religious Activities during Adhik Maas or Adhik Masa
Adhika Maas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu is present with us during the Adhik month.
It is a sacred and favorable month for all religious activities such as Mantra chanting, Japa, Puja (worship) of Lord Vishnu. The rituals and observations may vary for different states. The dates for Adhik Maas may also vary in different regions.
As this month is also good for charity, and pilgrimage, the practice of these should be enhanced. “Purushottam” is an epithet of Vishnu, which is why it is known as Purushottam Maas.
Do’s during Adhika Maas or Purushottam Maas
1) Vrat or Fast and charity: Observing Vrat and doing charity during Adhika Maas can wash away most of the Paap karma or sins. These activities give massive results.
2) Performing Yagna or Havan: Performing Yagna and Havan also give very positive results in getting rid of Paap Karma.P
3) Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Mantras to please Lord Shiva: The Puja rituals should be followed along with chating of Mantras during the holy Adhik Maas.
Don’ts during inauspicious Adhika Maas
Do not harm or hurt others in Adhik Maas. Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and liquor during the sacred month of Purushottam Maas.
