Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottama Maas or Malamasa, is an extra month that occurs in the Hindu calendar every three years. It is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu to compensate for the time he spent asleep during Chaturmas.
The 2023 Adhik Maas will begin on July 18, 2023, and end on August 16, 2023. It will coincide with the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, making this year's Shravan month a 59-day long one.
Muhurat
This year, Adhik Maas will begin on the 18th of July and will conclude on 16th August. Adhik Maas will start with the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and will be followed by the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). The Krishna Paksha of the month of Sawan and the Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas will span a duration of one month. Subsequently, the Krishna Paksha of Adhik Maas and the Shukla Paksha of Sawan will also last for one month. In this way, the month of Sawan in this year will extend to a duration of two months.
Significance
Adhik Maas is considered to be a holy month, and many people observe fasts and take part in religious activities during this time. It is also a time to forgive others and to seek forgiveness for one's own mistakes.
Story
There is a story about how Adhik Maas came to be. Once upon a time, there was a king who was very pious. He would perform many religious rituals and donate generously to charity. One day, he was performing a yajna when he saw a poor man begging for food. The king immediately gave the man some food, but the man was not satisfied. He said to the king, "You have given me food, but you have not given me anything that will benefit me in the next life."
The king was puzzled. He asked the man what he meant. The man said, "You have given me food, but you have not given me any merit. Merit is what will help me in the next life. Without merit, I will be reborn into a lower life form."
The king was very worried. He did not want to be reborn into a lower life form. He asked the man what he could do to earn merit. The man said, "There is only one way to earn merit. You must fast during Adhik Maas."
The king was determined to earn merit. He fasted during Adhik Maas, and as a result, he was reborn into a higher life form.
Do's and Don'ts
Here are some of the do's and don'ts of Adhik Maas:
Do's:
- Perform religious rituals and donate to charity.
- Fast on certain days.
- Read religious texts and scriptures.
- Spend time in meditation and introspection.
- Forgive others and seek forgiveness for your own mistakes.
Don'ts:
- Get married or have any other auspicious ceremonies.
- Cut your hair or nails.
- Travel long distances.
- Engage in any activities that are considered to be harmful to others.
Conclusion
Adhik Maas is a special month in the Hindu calendar. It is a time to focus on spirituality and to earn merit for the next life. By following the do's and don'ts of Adhik Maas, you can make the most of this holy month.