Adhika Masam 2026: The Divine Month of Purushottama

 

What is Adhika Masam?

• Adhika Masam (also called Purushottama Masam or Mala Masam) is an extra lunar month added every 2–3 years to align the Hindu lunar calendar with the solar cycle.
• A lunar year has 354 days, while the solar year has 365 days. This 11-day annual gap accumulates into a full month every few years, leading to the insertion of Adhika Masam.

Where is Adhika Masam Observed?

• Observed in Lunar Calendar States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Not Observed in Solar Calendar States: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam.

Spiritual Significance

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Purushottama: The month is sanctified by Vishnu and considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth.
• No Major Festivals or Auspicious Events: Weddings, housewarmings, and new ventures are avoided.
• Known as Mala Masam: Symbolizes cleansing of sins and karmic impurities (Mala means impurity).

Recommended Practices

• Jaap: Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Purushottama Stotra, or Gita verses.
• Daan: Charity, feeding the poor, donating clothes or grains.
• Pradakshina: Circumambulating temples or sacred trees.
• Scriptural Reading: Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam.

Beliefs and Benefits

• Equivalent to Performing 100 Yagyas: Fasting and devotion during this month are believed to yield immense spiritual merit.
• Liberation from Sins: Acts of devotion cleanse sins from past and present lives.
• Path to Moksha: Devotees believe sincere observance leads to liberation and entry into Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Adhika Masam 2026 Dates

• Start: 17 May 2026
• End: 15 June 2026
• Lunar Month: Adhika Jyeshtha (falls between regular Jyeshtha and Ashadha)

Do’s During Adhika Masam

Spiritual Practices

• Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Purushottama Stotra, or Bhagavad Gita verses daily.
• Observe fasts on Ekadashi, Purnima, and Amavasya for spiritual merit.
• Perform Daan (charity): Donate food, clothes, books, or money to the needy.
• Engage in Japa and meditation: Focus on self-purification and introspection.
• Read sacred texts: Srimad Bhagavatam, Vishnu Purana, and Ramayana are ideal.
• Visit temples and participate in special Adhika Masam rituals.
• Do Pradakshina (circumambulation) around temples or sacred trees.
• Practice humility and simplicity in lifestyle and speech.

Don’ts During Adhika Masam

Avoid Auspicious Ceremonies

• No weddings, engagements, or housewarmings (Griha Pravesh).
• Avoid naming ceremonies (Namakaran), Mundan (first haircut), and Upanayanam.
• Do not start new ventures, investments, or business deals.
• Avoid purchasing property, vehicles, or luxury items.
• Refrain from laying foundations for new buildings or renovations.