What is Adhik Mass?

Adhik Maas is an extra month in the Hindu calendar. Hinduism follows the lunar calendar. It has 29.5 days, unlike a solar calendar which has 30-31 days in a month. Therefore, in Hinduism, a year comprises of 354 days. There is a gap of 11 days when compared to the Solar calendar which is 365 days.

Now, every year, there is a strict gap of 11 days between a lunar and solar calendar. Within 2-3 years, this 11 days gap increases to form 29-30 days. In order to make the lunar and the solar calendar similar, an extra month is added to the lunar calendar of Hinduism. This extra month is called Adhik Mass.

The term Adhik means extra whereas Mass means month. Therefore- Extra Month.

What Is The Position Of Adhik Maas?

The position of Adhik Maas isn't fixed. Adhik Mass can occur between any two months, randomly.

What Is The Folk Story Of Adhik Mass?

The lunar calendar in Hinduism has 12 months. However, in the beginning, before Adhik Mass came into existence, it could not match with the days of the solar calendar. The sages I.e. Rishis, Munis started making calculations and introduced an extra month in the lunar calendar of Hinduism called the Adhik Mass. It is said that ages ago, King Nahush by keeping the Adhik Mass vrat freed himself from all bondages and got the throne of Lord Indra, who was the king of heaven.

What Is The Spiritual Significance Of Adhik Mass?

Adhik Mass is perceived to be a holy month. It has many names like Londa Mass, Purushottama Mass, Mal Mass and so on.

In Hinduism, every month is represented by a God. The Adhik Mass, however, was not included in the 12 months, initially. Adhik Mass in return pleaded to Lord Vishnu to give him a place in the calendar. Lord Vishnu heard his plea and allowed him to be a part of the calendar.

Adhik Mass is a holy month because, it is believed that if one does good deeds, prays, austerities then he can free himself or herself from his or her sins.

What Are The Benefits Of Adhik Mass?

The benefits of Adhik Mass are listed below:

• It is perceived as the holy month in Hinduism.
• It has got more significance than other months in Hinduism.
• If one performs austerity, it is considered to be good.
• It believed that one can free oneself from sins by praying, practicing religious activities, doing Japa and puja keeping fast and so on in the Adhik Mass.
• If one performs selfless acts, that is considered to be very good.
• It also adds to the spiritual growth of a person.

Since it is the month of Lord Purshottama, it is expected to chant his shlokas, the Suktas and also the Vishnu Sahasranama.

If an individual performs religious activities like puja or Archana, it is believed that his sins washes away.

Devotees often keep fast or vrat. It may be due to many reasons like repenting for one's sins, praying for good health and wealth, praying for happiness and peace and so on.