Purushottam Maas/ Adhik Maas or Mal Maas

Purushottam Maas, also known as Adhik Maas or Mal Maas, is an additional lunar month in the Hindu calendar that occurs approximately every three years. Despite being regarded as an inauspicious month due to its association with the word 'Mal,' meaning impure or dirty as the festivals are not celebrated during this period. It is also called ‘Purushottam Maas’ as it holds significant spiritual importance for devotees as they can foster their inner journey through penance. The name is derived from its association with Lord Vishnu, as 'Purushottam' translates to 'Supreme Person.' It has a spiritual significance as the solar and lunar calendars are aligned with its addition and are also reasons for its name. This is also a very important month as in Shiv Puran it is mentioned, “The worship of Lord Vishnu performed during the month of Shravan fulfils desires and bestows good health!”

The phenomenon of Adhik Maas is a unique aspect of the traditional Hindu calendar. According to the Vasishtha Siddhantha, it occurs every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 ghadi (with one ghadi being 24 minutes approximately). In a solar year of 365 days and about 6 hours, and a lunar year of 354 days, there exists a gap of 11 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. Over a time period of three years, this gap accumulates each year to form an additional month known as Adhik Maas/ Mal Maas/ Purushottam Maas. Generally, it is added within one of the months ranging from Chaitra to Ashwin, and occasionally in Phalgun as well. Although, it is not inserted during the months of Margasheesh, Paush, and Magh. It takes nearly 19 years for the Adhik Maas to reoccur in the same month.

According to Bhavishaye Puran, Malmas or Adhik Maas (also known as Purushottam Maas) is a month in the Hindu lunar calendar that does not have a corresponding solar month. It occurs approximately every two and a half years (thirty two months). During this month, there are no significant solar or lunar events. All ancestral rituals and ceremonies can be performed, but rituals like Yajna and marriage ceremonies are not conducted. Devotional activities such as pilgrimage, dev- darshan (viewing of deities), fasting, and rituals like Simantonnayan (baby shower) can be observed during this month. Similarly, these activities can also be performed in Shukrast (Venus is combust). Even royal coronation ceremonies can take place during Malmas. However, there are restrictions on certain activities during Malmas, such as starting of new fasts and new vows, establishing new deities, Chudakarma (tonsure), Upanayan (sacred thread ceremony), Mantrapasana (chanting of mantras), marriage, construction of new houses, housewarming ceremonies, adoption of a new stage of life (ashram), pilgrimage, consecration ceremonies, Kanya (girl) Dwiragaman (returning to parents' home after marriage), and Yajna (sacrificial rituals). 

Here are some key points regarding the importance of Purushottam Maas:

1. Purification and Atonement: Purushottam Maas is considered a time of purification and spiritual growth. It is believed that performing righteous deeds, engaging in spiritual acts, and observing religious practices during this month can help cleanse one's sins and purify the soul. It is a sacred month when individuals can embark on a transformative journey of spiritual purification and personal enlightenment.

2. Observances and Austerities: Many devotees undertake various religious observances and austerities during Purushottam Maas. This mostly includes observing fasts, reading sacred scriptures, performing religious rituals, offering prayers, and engaging in acts of charity. Such practices are believed to yield greater spiritual merit and accelerate one's progress on the spiritual journey.

3. Spiritual Discipline: Purushottam Maas provides an opportunity for devotees to intensify their spiritual discipline and deepen their connection with their Isht. It is seen as a favourable time for self-reflection, introspection, and strengthening one's devotion through chanting, meditation, and reciting of scriptures.

4. Resolving Past Karmas and Obligations: Purushottam Maas is considered a favourable period for clearing past karmas, fulfilling pending obligations, and resolving any past mistakes or shortcomings. Devotees often use this time to confess misdoings, seek forgiveness, make amendments, and rectify any past wrongdoings.

5. Special Festivals and Rituals: One prominent festival during this month is the Purushottam Ekadashi, a significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this special day, the devotees observe fast and chant His mantras. Other special days to offer prayers are Purushottam Dwadashi and Purushottam Purnima.

May the blessings of Sri Hari, the Supreme Person, be showered upon us, guiding us on the path of righteousness and bestowing spiritual enlightenment. May this Adhik Maas bring joy, peace, and spiritual progress to all, filling our lives with Divine Grace and Blessings.

Happy Adhik Maas to all, may this sacred month be a time of transformation, enlightenment, and Divine Blessings for each and every one of us.

Pic - Sadhana App