Adhik Maas: Know All about it!

Introduction:

In the relentless hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, it's all too easy to become engulfed in the ceaseless rhythm of productivity. Adhik Maas is that rare and sacred time when the universe implores us to embrace the art of slowing down, to cherish the delicate interplay of moments and take some time to explore your spiritual side to your life that’s often brushed under the carpet.

How about taking some time off from our busy schedule and   devoting ourselves towards Spiritual Growth. “Naamasmaran” i.e., Vedic chanting makes us more focussed, creates positive energy within us, purifies our soul and facilitates overall well-being.

There is a special time when you can chant the names of Lord Vishnu, calm your mind and boost your inner energy. That special time is the Adhik Maas in the lunar calendar. So, get yourself prepared to spend a spiritually fulfilling time by worshipping Lord Vishnu and seek his divine blessings. It is the time for you to rise above petty issues and focus on good thoughts and good karma only.

So let us heed the universe's gentle call, for in this sanctuary of Adhik Maas, we discover the harmony that arises from simply being present.

Adhik Maas (An additional Lunar month):

Adhik Maas holds a distinctive place and special attributes in the Hindu calendar. Appearing after three years, it has scientific, astrological, and religious significance. We call it the ’Adhik Maas’ or the extra month that is added to the Hindu Lunar calendar after every three years. This special month has enormous significance along with certain restrictions. It is one of the best times to pray, offer Pujas, do fasting and practise charitable activities for karma cleansing and purifying the soul. On the other hand, one should abstain from social functions like marriage, Naamkaran, Mundan, Griha Pravesh or starting a new business, buying new things etc.

Adhik Maas comes as a result of the difference between the Solar and Lunar Calendars. Hindu calendar follows the lunar calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon; hence each month has 29.5 days and a year is of 354 days whereas, the solar calendar comprises 365 days with each month comprising 30 or 31 days. Hence, a difference of 11 days is observed between the annual lunar and solar calendar. This difference becomes 29 or 30 after 3 years. That is why every 3 years an extra month is added to the lunar calendar to balance this difference. As per specific calculations, the Adhik Maas comes after 32 months, 16 days and 6 hours precisely. This year, Adhik Maas begins on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and ends on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Adhik Maas is also known as Adhimas, Malmaas, Londa Maas or Purushottam Maas. This month has great astrological importance. As we know, the sun moves to one star or zodiac sign each month. In the case of the Adhik Maas, the sun does not move to any zodiac sign and hence there is no Surya Sankranti in this month. The motion of the moon dominates this month and that is why there is a change of weather during this time.

Since it comes after 3 years, the Adhik Maas has had great religious prominence. It is said that practising religious activities, maintaining a pious lifestyle and offering prayers and chanting the name of Lord Vishnu during this month will purify one’s body and soul. It uplifts the inner spirit of the followers and elevates them to a greater realisation. Offering prayers, charity and self-control during Adhik Maas will make a person strong and introspective. It is also believed that performing Pujas and chanting the name of Lord Vishnu makes a man free from all sins and curses.

Why do we call it Purshottam Maas:

Adhik Maas is closely related to Lord Vishnu and hence also called the Purushottam Maas. It has a mythological significance. Every month in the lunar calendar is dedicated to a deity as its ruler. However, due to its appearance after three years, Adhik Maas had no deity as none of the Gods were ready to give their name to this month. Finally, it was Lord Vishnu who gave His name to this month and associated it with virtue, fame, and blessed this month with his boons to devotees who chant His name. This month, being a special month, is observed with reverence by the followers of Hinduism.

Purushottam means a man who has all the best qualities, and this month is devoted towards self-development, evaluation, retrospection, Introspection & reflection. It is a time for us to complete all pending work, detoxify the body that remains pending from past three years. It is month to regain once strength in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual terms. It is a time for prayer, fasting, charity, and self-improvement.

Therefore, we call it Purushottam Mass.

Understanding the legend behind Adhik Maas:

As per legends, once Demon Hiranyakashipu had asked for a boon from lord Brahma that no man, animal, sura or asura should cause death to him; further he asked that he should not meet his death in any of the 12 months of the year, in the morning or at night, not inside the house nor outside it, neither by any weapon nor by any object. Bestowed with the boon, Demon Hiranyakashipu thought he had become immortal.

Later Demon Hiranyakashipu met death at hands of Lord Narasimha who ripped his chest with the claws taking the form of half Lion and Half man, during Adhik Mass around sunset and at the threshold of the palace (neither inside nor outside). Therefore, during Adhik Maas no auspicious festive activity such as marriage, anushthan etc. are performed. Only naam japa, charity and Bhagavat katha, yagya is done.

Let us have a look at the rituals that we can follow during the Adhik Maas:

• During this time, one can observe fast, or have food only once. Those who are unable to do fasting continuously can observe fasting at least once in the whole month.  Having Satvik food are highly encouraged during the Adhik Maas as it makes your mind calm.
• Giving donations in the form of cash or food, clothes and other necessary items is considered very pious.  The auspicious days for donations are Poornima, Amavasya and Dwadashi, Chaturdashi, Krishna Ashtami, Navami Tithis of both Shukla and Krishna paksha.
• Donation of Anarsa (a sweet pastry made with rice, jaggery, poppy seeds and milk.), particularly num 33 has its own significance, hence a set of 33 anarsas can be donated. Instead of anarsa, we can also donate battaasa, Mysorepak………for happy living.
• Worshipping Lord Vishnu is part and parcel of Adhik Maasa since it is the month of the Lord. You can chant Vishnu's name for a minimum of 108 times, read Vishnu Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita and worship Lord Krishna and Lord Narasimha, the two incarnations of Vishnu. It is a common belief that if you chant Vishnu Mantra throughout the Adhik Maas your sins are forgiven and you are blessed by Lord Vishnu.
• It is advised to observe maun while having food i.e., avoid speaking as you eat. This helps in building the inner power of a person and the body and mind are in complete harmony which further helps in developing satvik thoughts.
• If possible, one should light a lamp or diya at the place of worship continuously (akhanda deepam) throughout the month to get abundance in wealth and prosperity by gaining the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Taking a holy bath in the Ganga is also very good during this month.
• One can visit any pilgrimage and offer Pujas this month.

People living in the state of Maharashtra can make a special pilgrimage plan to visit the Purushottam Temple during the coming Adhik Maas. It is the best time to visit the Temple located in Purushottampuri, Beed district, Maharashtra.  It is the only Purushottam temple in India. Hence, along with them, any of you can have the privilege of visiting this temple and having a darshan.  Otherwise, you can visit any Vishnu Mandir in your city or town and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Other rituals related to Adhik Maas include donating betel leaves to people, feeding the cow etc.

Ekadashis to be observed in Adhik Maas:

Along with the rituals of fasting and chanting Vishnu name, observing Ekadashis is also a part of this month. Adhik Maas has two Ekadashis like any other month and these two Ekadashis hold special religious significance. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas is called Padmini Ekadashi. It is believed that by observing this Purushottam or Padmini Ekadashi, the devotee is free from past Karma or sins. Along with that, all wishes and desires are fulfilled.

The Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Adhik Maas is known as Parama Shuddha Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is especially significant in removing the poverty of the devotees and bringing wealth and prosperity. It also removes the sins of the follower and gives them a place at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

Restrictions in Adhik Maas:

Along with the rituals that have to be followed during the Adhik Maas, there are certain restrictions associated with this month. Adhik Maas is also known as Mal Maas as it is considered something excessive or unclean. That is why certain auspicious events and religious ceremonies are prohibited during this time. Ceremonies like marriage, Naam Karan, Griha Pravesh, Yagyopaveet, purchase of new valuables etc. are not done. Along with that, Mal Maas is not the right time to start any new business venture or take up new jobs. People try to follow these rituals as much as possible.

With all its rules and restrictions, the Adhik Maas is a little different from the other months of the Hindu calendar. Despite its restrictions, this month has an abundance of spiritual blessings and elevation. Chanting the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the Adhik Mass brings a higher level of satisfaction and contentment among the devotees. They rise above the confinement and malice of their daily lives and dedicate their full attention to Lord Vishnu to achieve salvation. It is the time that the devotees can be completely engrossed in spiritual activities (aatma shudhikaran) and feel physically and mentally strong and enriched. This is the specialty of this month, it is not just extra but I term it as "Exclusive".

CHANTING VISHNU MANTRAS FOR OVERALL SUCCESS

Lord Vishnu, the preserver grants all wishes and desires, eradicates sins of the past life and helps overcome evils.

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