What is Adhik Maas?
The solar year consists of 365 days and 06 hours approx. whereas the
lunar year is of 354 days. Thus, the gap between solar and the lunar
year is of around 11 days. The gap increases to approximate 1 month in
three Lunar years. Hence, to balance the gap between solar and lunar
calendar an extra month comes after every third year. It is termed as
Adhik Maas or Mal mass or Purshotam Mass.
The word 'adhik' means an extra (extraordinary, more, excess).
The Adhik or Mal Maas is the only time when the Sun does not move into a
new sign. This is a unique phenomenon observed during the Adhik Maas.
In this reference the concept of Adhika Maas is unique to the
traditional Hindu lunar calendars.
In 2015 the duration of Adhik Maas is from 17th June to 16th July.
Significance of Adhik Mass
Every individual has a spiritual entity that comprises up of 5 Bhootas -
the air, water, earth, fire, and ether. These are manifested in the
forms of the intellect- mind- ego- senses and the soul. One requires
meditation to unite one's physical entity with that of the spiritual
entity.
Purushottam means a man who is imbibed with all best
qualities and this month is devoted to self-development, evaluation,
assessment, reflection, retrospection and Introspection. It is a time
for the purification of one’s mind, body and soul.
It is a time for
one's own soul and spirit to complete all pending work, detoxify the
body that remains pending since last three years.
It is month to
regain once strength in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
terms. Hence, the month got its name Purshottam Mass.
During
Adhik mass naam japa, charity, Bhagavat katha and yagya is done by
sadhak to gains Physical strength, mental balance, firmness of thought
and actions, calmness and spiritual satisfaction.
The main significance of Adhik Maas is associated with spiritual enlightenment and deliverance from earthly sins.
It is written in the Devi Bhagavat that charitable and meritorious acts
and fastings etc. carried out during this Mal Maas (Adhik Maas),
inevitably produce results. Just as atomic sized contents within a seed
produce a giant and long living Banyan tree, so in the same manner even a
little charitable act done during Mal Maas (Adhik Maas) produces big
results.
The Puranas also sing high praises about Adhik Maas and indicate Puja, readings of scriptures etc. during Adhik Maas.
Selfless actions, without the expectations of results, are to be performed during Adhik Maas.
In addition to singing and listening to the praises of the Lord
(Vishnu), undertake Adhik Maas Vrat also. This Vrat is to begin from the
first day and ends on the last day of Adhik Maas. June 17, 2015 to July
16, 2015 as per North Indian Calendar.
If there is a temple nearby then perform puja of whatever deities are usually worshipped therein.
During the entire month of Mal Maas Vrat eat Sattvic food (vegetarian meals, milk, fruits, nuts, grains, vegetables).
It is written in the Bhavishyottar Purana that Sri Krishna Himself has
said regarding Adhik Maas Vrat that by carrying out the Vrat with the
sole aim of worshipping God, through fasting, cleanliness, charity, puja
etc. merits are acquired which produce unfailing results and all sorts
of calamities are overcome.
These acts of spirituality bring ample of religious merit and bring transformation for the better in individuals.
It is believed that this month holds a special place in the Hindu
religion and, therefore, rectifying planetary effects during this month
give positive results 10 times better than performed during any other
month.
As per Hindu scriptures
All the main Hindu months
have a deity attached to them, but no one agreed to be the governing God
of Mal Maas or the extra ‘unclean’ (Mal Maas) month).
Rishi-Munis calculated and facilitated Adhik Maas to balance solar and lunar years.
Lord Vishnu was then approached and decided to assign Adhik Maas to
himself. Hence, Lord Vishnu is Lord of this month That is why it is
known as the Purushottam Maas.
Further stories from the Legends
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 meet 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 annaprashan, naamkaran, grah
pravesh, marriage, etc. are performed. This is because the strength of
the effects of the Navgrahas is quite strong during this time. Hence,
the month got its name as Mal Maas.
Only naam japa, charity and Bhagavat katha, yagya is done.
For indepth details go to
https://www.facebook.com/notes/sri-satyatma-tirtha-swamiji-info-activity-page/adhik-maas-purshottam-maas/374092249329339
http://www.hinduism.co.za/adhik.htm
http://www.astrospeak.com/…/chanting-vishnu-mantras-for-ove…
