Purushottam Maas

According to the Hindu calendar based on the lunar cycle, an extra month is formed every three years, which is called Mal Maas, Adhik Maas, or Purushottam Maas. This means that according to Hindu calculation, it is the thirteenth month. However, according to the Hindi and English calendars, there are twelve months in a year. The Hindi calendar is calculated based on the lunar cycle, while the English calendar is based on the solar cycle.

According to Hindu religious scriptures, a lunar year has 354 days, and a solar year has 365 days. There is a difference of eleven days between the two calendars every year, which increases to a full month in three years, thus creating an extra lunar month. Because it is additional, it is known as Adhik Maas. Since all twelve months have a solar transit (Sankranti), but this month is devoid of a solar transit, it is considered Mal Maas (impure month) and is avoided for all auspicious and celebratory functions. However, Lord Shri Krishna himself became the master of this month, which is why it is also called Purushottam Maas.

In the year 2020, Adhik Maas will begin on September 18th, after the end of the 15-day Pitru Paksha of the Ashwin month, and will last until October 16th. From October 17th, the second, ordinary fortnight of the Ashwin month will begin, which will last until October 30th.

Religious Belief

The Puranas tell many interesting stories about the religious significance of Purushottam Maas. According to one story, sages and saints had assigned a deity to each month of the lunar year. But when Adhik Maas was created, no one was ready to become its presiding deity because it was devoid of a solar transit. Instead, this month was not only condemned for being unsuitable for auspicious and celebratory functions but was also criticized by the gods as being as impure as filth. Saddened by the condemnation and insult, the lackluster, dying, and grief-stricken Adhik Maas took refuge with Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha. Agitated by the sorrow of Adhik Maas, the compassionate Lord took him to Lord Shri Krishna in Goloka and urged him to save him. Upon this, Shri Krishna accepted Mal Maas and, granting him blessings of qualities equal to his own, such as virtue, fame, experience, six opulences, and valor, also gave him his name, Purushottam, and accepted to be his master. Because of this, despite being devoid of auspicious and celebratory functions, this month became venerable and worshipable in the world, the giver of salvation to all worlds, and, being selfless, attained the highest position. Lord Shri Krishna himself established this month, which is why during this month, through devotion, worship, scripture reading, charity, and other meritorious deeds, the Lord is not only pleased quickly, but all worldly desires are also fulfilled quickly.

During this month, following a sattvic diet, eating only one meal a day, and worshiping Shri Ram and Shri Krishna while reading the Bhagavad Gita and listening to stories, one attains many merits. It is believed that any religious or meritorious deed, pilgrimage, or charity performed during this month gives a hundred times the fruit. Therefore, one must make an effort to attain great fruits like salvation by going to religious pilgrimage sites, especially the land of Shri Krishna, Braj Mandal, and performing acts of charity, bathing, and chanting.