Adhika Masam 2023

 

The Hindu lunar calendar includes an additional month called Adhika Masam, which only arises once every two to three years. This suggests that a year under Adhik Masam will consist of 13 months rather than 12 months. This month is also known as "Purushottama Masam" because Lord Vishnu is worshipped as "Purushottama," during this month.

The solar calendar has 365 days in a year, whereas the Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and has 354 days. Over two to three years, this 11-day discrepancy between the lunar and solar calendars equals a whole month with approximately 29 days. Adhika Masam is then observed during this month.

As a result, it should be clear that Adhik Masam would never happen according to the solar calendar used in West Bengal, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala. Therefore, only the states that use lunar-based calculations, like as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, observe this extra month. Many temples hold special rituals in these states throughout the Adhik Masam season.

It is regarded as a divine month where more people engage in religious activities including Jaap, Daan, Pradakshinas, and holy book reading.

It is also known as "Mala Masam" because it is said that taking part in religious activities during this auspicious month will help remove all the "Mala" (evil or wicked things).

As a result, no festivals or events are held during Adhik Masam. Another widely held view holds that observing a fast during Adhik Masam offers the same advantages as doing more than 100 yagyas.

By performing good deeds or acts during Adhik Masam one can get freedom from all sins committed in the present and past lives. The individual is also liberated from the continuous cycle of birth and death and ultimately reaches Lord Vishnu's heavenly abode, ‘Vaikuntha’.

2023 Dates: July 18 – August 16.