There is so much in Hindu Vedas and scriptures that never cease to mesmerize us. One may have heard of Kartik month and it’s religious importance but today, we are going to throw some light on “Adhik Maas” that is considered auspicious to Hindus. Read the article to know the legend associated with Adhik Maas, whom to worship, what to do in Adhik Maas, and what should be avoided during this month.
Known by various names like Adhik Maas, Mal Maas, Malimmacha, Purushottam Maas, Adhik Maas is an extra lunar month which occurs every 3 years and 3 months according to Hindu panchang. This time, it is getting observed from May 16, 2018, to June 13, 2018. It is seen as a sacred month by Hindus and people do various good deads (satkarams) to please Lord Vishnu and attain his blessings.
The unique concept of Adhik Maas:
It is understood from its name that adhik Maas means extra month. Reason? The solar year is composed of 365 days and 6 hours approx whereas the lunar year consists of 354 days. There is a gap of 11 days every year between the solar and lunar year that increases up to 29 days in three lunar years. Thus, according to Hindu lore, an extra month is added by rishi-munis to maintain the gap which is known as Adhik Maas.
The legend behind Purushottam Maas:
There are twelve months in a lunar year. Whereas each and every month is represented by a God, Adhik Maas was not assigned to any God which made Adhik Maas go to Lord Vishnu to share his plight. He approached Lord Vishnu. Seeing him in pity, Lord Vishnu assigned himself to adhik Maas. Since then, Adhik Maas is also called as Purushottam Maas and has more significance than the other months.
How it got its name, Mal Maas?
As there are 12 months and each month is dedicated to specific god but every God refused to become Deity of this month and sidelined it completely. This is how Adhik maas got its name as Mal Maas.
What should be done:
One should observe fasts as it is said observing a fast in adhik maas is equivalent to performing hundred Yagnas. Lord Vishnu should be worshipped. Recitation of bhagwat gita and carrying out other religious activity yields multiple good results. One should do daan, light diyas and go to pilgrimages.
What should be avoided:
As it is also considered as Mal (unclean) Maas, therefore Manglik Karya like naamkaran, marriage, grah Pravesh, installation of Hindu God and Goddess, yagna, purchasing of a vehicle, commencement of construction of the new home is prohibited to conduct during this month.