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.
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