What is Purushottam Maas or Adhik Maas?
The Hindu lunar calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar which adds a leap day every four years, incorporates an extra month approximately every three years. This special month is known as Purushottam Maas, also referred to as Adhik Maas or Mal Maas. It’s not just an additional month; it’s considered a highly auspicious period for spiritual practices, devotion, and accumulating merit.
To understand why it exists, we need to look at the Hindu calendar’s dual basis: the solar year (based on the Sun’s movement, about 365 days) and the lunar year (based on the Moon’s phases, about 354 days). This creates a difference of about 11 days each year. Over roughly three years, this difference accumulates to about 33 days, necessitating the addition of an extra month to realign the lunar and solar cycles.
Adhik Maas is identified by the absence of a solar transit (Sankranti) within that lunar month. A Sankranti occurs when the Sun moves from one zodiac sign to another. A lunar month that does not contain a Sankranti is designated as Adhik Maas.
Why is it Called Purushottam Maas?
Historically, this extra month was known as ‘Mal Maas,’ often considered inauspicious, a period during which traditional auspicious ceremonies like weddings, housewarmings, or sacred thread ceremonies were avoided. Feeling neglected and stigmatized, Mal Maas approached Lord Vishnu. Moved by its plight, Lord Vishnu embraced Mal Maas, bestowing upon it His own name, ‘Purushottam’ (meaning ‘best among men’ or ‘Lord of the Lords’).
Lord Vishnu declared this month His favorite, promising immense merit to those who worship Him during this time. He blessed Mal Maas, stating that all sins would be absolved for devotees and they would attain His divine abode. Thus, the once-maligned Mal Maas transformed into the revered and sacred Purushottam Maas, beloved by Lord Vishnu.
Significance and Spirituality of Purushottam Maas
Purushottam Maas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it exceptionally fruitful for devotion, penance, and acts of charity. Religious activities undertaken during this month are believed to yield manifold benefits:
- Accumulating Merit: Chanting, penance, charity, fasting, and worship during this month lead to inexhaustible spiritual merit (Akshaya Punya).
- Absolution of Sins: Devotion to Lord Vishnu helps in shedding sins and brings mental peace.
- Spiritual Growth: It’s considered an ideal time for self-reflection, meditation, and connecting with the divine.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Prayers and good deeds performed with sincere devotion are particularly effective in this period.
What to Do During Purushottam Maas (Auspicious Activities)
This month offers a golden opportunity for spiritual upliftment. Engaging in the following practices is highly recommended:
- Worship Lord Vishnu: Regularly worship Lord Vishnu and His avatars. Reciting the Satyanarayan Katha is considered particularly auspicious.
- Chant Mantras: Chant mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or the Hare Krishna mantra frequently.
- Listen to Srimad Bhagavatam: Reciting or listening to the Srimad Bhagavatam Purana is highly meritorious.
- Charity and Dana: Donate food, clothing, money, lamps, or footwear according to your capacity. Donating cows or feeding Brahmins is also considered very auspicious.
- Fasting: Observe fasts, especially on Ekadashi or Purnima. Some devotees undertake a vow of eating only one meal a day or consuming fruits for the entire month.
- Pilgrimage: Bathing in holy rivers, especially the Ganges, and visiting pilgrimage sites are believed to be liberating.
- Worship Tulsi: Offer prayers and light a lamp for the Tulsi plant daily.
- Adopt a Sattvic Lifestyle: Abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onions, and garlic, and consume pure, sattvic food.
What Not to Do During Purushottam Maas (Prohibited Activities)
Traditionally, certain activities are advised against during Purushottam Maas, as the focus shifts from material pursuits to spiritual devotion:
- Marriages: Auspicious ceremonies like weddings are generally avoided.
- Housewarming: Entering a new home or purchasing a new property is not considered auspicious.
- Initiations: Ceremonies like mundan (first haircut) or Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) are usually postponed.
- Starting New Ventures: Beginning major new business ventures is often deferred.
- Major Purchases: Buying new vehicles, property, or other significant material assets is typically advised against.
It’s important to note that these are traditional guidelines. If a particular activity is essential, consulting with learned priests for guidance is advisable. The core purpose of this month is to turn inward and focus on spirituality.
Benefits of Observing Purushottam Maas
Individuals who observe the practices of Purushottam Maas with faith and devotion can experience numerous benefits:
- Eternal Merit: The rewards for all good deeds are multiplied manifold.
- Freedom from Sins: Past mistakes, whether intentional or unintentional, can be atoned for.
- Fulfillment of Aspirations: Lord Vishnu’s grace can help fulfill heartfelt desires.
- Health and Well-being: Relief from health issues and improved physical well-being.
- Prosperity: Increased peace and prosperity within the family.
- Liberation (Moksha): An opportunity to progress on the path towards spiritual liberation.
Observing Purushottam Maas in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced world, adhering to all traditional practices might be challenging. The key is to utilize this sacred month according to your faith and capacity. If you cannot fast for the entire month, dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to chanting Lord Vishnu’s name or meditating on Him. If large donations are not possible, offer help to someone in need or extend kindness. The essence lies in inner purification and cultivating love for the divine.
A Final Thought on Purushottam Maas
Many people feel stressed about what to do and what not to do during Purushottam Maas. View this period as an opportunity rather than a set of rigid rules. If you can’t observe a full fast, simply chanting a Vishnu mantra for 10-15 minutes daily or thinking about Him is beneficial. Helping someone needy or speaking kindly to others also counts. The most important thing is to maintain a pure intention and remember God wholeheartedly. This month offers a chance to connect with yourself and the divine; embrace it!
Purushottam Maas is truly a spiritual elixir, prompting us to pause from the race of materialistic life and turn towards self-reflection and devotion. Make the most of this holy month and fill your life with positivity and merit.
