Significance of Adhik Masa

Hindus use the lunar calendar, which follows the Moon’s cycles. While a solar month has 30 or 31 days, a lunar month has only 29.5 days. So, a lunar year has only 364 days, while the solar year has 365. Each year, there is a difference of 11 days between the solar and lunar years. It increases to 29 – 30 days between 2 – 3 years, thereby adding up to an entire month. An extra month is added to align both calendars and compensate for the extra days. This is called Adhik Masa.

 Adhik means ‘additional or extra’ in Sanskrit, while masa means ‘month’.

 In 2024, there is an Adhika Masa, followed by one in 2026, 2029, 2031, and 2034.

 Other names for Adhik Masa are Mal Masa, Londa Masa, Purushottama Masa, and Malimmacha Masa. Hindus believe that observing Vrat/fast in this month can absolve one of all sins.

 Legends behind Adhika Masa

As per Hindu legends, each month of the year was associated with a particular deity. Due to this, Adhik Masa felt sidelined and complained to Lord Vishnu. So, Vishnu said he would associate himself with Adhik Masa and called it Puroshattama Masa. Vishnu also added that one could gain more merit in this month by doing good deeds, Japa, and austerities compared to those done in all the other months combined. Hence, Adhik Masa gained more importance than all the other months in a year.

It is said that a king of ancient times called Nahush observed vrat this month, was freed from all bondage, and obtained the throne of Lord Indra.

 Once, Goddess Lakshmi asked Vishnu how to perform the Adhik Masa Pooja. He replied that he was the Lord of Adhik Masa, and that doing good deeds, Japa, Snana, Homa, etc., would bring many benefits. But those who failed to perform these would suffer from poverty, unhappiness due to children, etc. Those who could not perform the rituals for the entire month could do them on days like Krishna Paksha Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, Dwadashi, Pournami, etc.

 Things to do During Adhik Masa

During Adhik Masa, one can do rituals like observing vrat, reciting holy scriptures (Parayanas), chanting Mantras, offering prayers, performing Havans, Poojas, going on pilgrimages, doing Pradakshinas, etc. The fast can be full day, half day, weekly, fortnightly, full month, etc., according to one’s ability. The fast can be with or without liquids, with fruits alone, or with one sattvic meal in a day. Many Hindus hold a Katha series of a sacred text on this month. Doing these rituals is believed to eliminate one’s sins in the past and present life.

 In the Beed district in Maharashtra, a small village called Purushottampuri has a temple of Purushottam, a form of Krishna. During Adhik Masa, there is a big fair, and lots of people come from various places to invoke divine blessings.

 In Nepal, a month-long mela/fair is held in Machhegaun village during this month. The belief is that one can remove all sins by taking a dip in the pond at Machhenarayan temple.

 Festivals like Diwali and Dussehra are not marked during Adhik Masa.

It is said that those who perform good deeds in this month can conquer their senses and be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.

 Adhik Masa is often regarded as inauspicious (mala). So auspicious ceremonies like weddings do not take place in this month. It is also a compensatory period for people who neglected their religious duties.

 Benefits of Observing Adhik Masa

Observing Vrat during this month is equivalent to performing 100 Yagnas and bestows peace, harmony, and happiness in life.

The Vrat appeases the gods, fulfills desires, brings wealth and good health, progeny blessings, and helps overcome problems.

One can attain Moksha by doing good deeds in this month.

One gains spiritual merit by repenting one’s sins.

Performing remedies for Graha dosha during this month can remove the malefic effects of the planets in one’s horoscope.

Conducting paaths from the Puranas and other sacred texts can bring divine blessings.

Doing selfless acts during this month can bring immense spiritual merit.

Chanting Vishnu Mantras, Slokas, Vishnu Sahasranama, and Suktas is very beneficial this month, as it is the month of Purushottam/Vishnu.

Waking up during Brahma Muhurtha (4 am – 6 am) and performing Shodashopachara Pooja for Radha-Krishna and Lakshmi-Narayana brings many blessings.

Going on a pilgrimage in Adhik Masa is very beneficial.

Doing any religious ritual during this period removes sins accumulated over many years.

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