Embracing the Leap Month: All About Adhik Maas 2023!
Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas or Mal Maas, is an extra month in the Hindu calendar. It occurs once in every three years to adjust the difference between the solar year and the lunar year. The solar year is the time it takes the Earth to revolve around the Sun, which is about 365.2422 days. The lunar year is the time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth, which is about 29.5306 days.
Adhik Maas is usually inserted between the months of Shravan and Bhadrapada. In 2023, Adhik Maas will start on July 18 and will end on August 16.
There are different beliefs about the origin of Adhik Maas. Some believe that it was created by Brahma, the creator god, to give people more time to do good deeds. Others believe that it was created by Vishnu, the preserver god, to give people more time to worship him.
There are different ways to observe Adhik Maas. Some people fast on certain days, while others donate food or money to charity. Some people also read religious texts or perform special pujas.
Adhik Maas is a time for spiritual introspection and self-improvement. It is a time to reflect on one’s life and make changes for the better. It is also a time to connect with the divine and seek blessings for the coming year.
Here are some of the things you can do during Adhik Maas:
- Fast on certain days.
- Donate food or money to charity.
- Read religious texts or perform special pujas.
- Spend time in meditation or prayer.
- Help others in need.
- Abstain from negative activities such as anger, hatred, and violence.
- Make positive changes in your life, such as starting a new habit or giving up a bad habit.
In the realm of Hindu astrology and lunar calendars, there exists a fascinating concept known as “Adhik Maas,” which translates to “extra month” in English. Adhik Maas is an additional lunar month that occasionally appears in the Hindu calendar. It is considered a highly auspicious and spiritually significant time. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of Adhik Maas, exploring its origins, purpose, rituals, and significance in Hindu culture.
1. What is Adhik Maas?
Adhik Maas, also referred to as Mal Maas or Purushottam Maas, is an extra month that occurs in the Hindu lunar calendar. Unlike the standard solar calendar, which consists of 365 days, the Hindu calendar is based on the phases of the moon and typically contains around 354 days in a year. To reconcile this difference and keep the lunar and solar calendars aligned, an extra month is added approximately every 32.5 months.
2. The Significance of Adhik Maas:
Adhik Maas is considered a unique and spiritually potent time for Hindu devotees. It is believed that during this month, the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, are showered upon those who engage in acts of devotion, charity, and self-improvement. Adhik Maas is seen as an opportunity for individuals to cleanse their souls, seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, and strengthen their spiritual connection.
3. Rituals and Practices During Adhik Maas:
- Fasting: Many devout Hindus choose to observe fasting during Adhik Maas. Fasting is seen as a way to purify the body and mind and enhance one’s spiritual awareness.
- Donations and Charity: Giving to the less fortunate is a common practice during this month. It is believed that acts of charity performed during Adhik Maas carry greater merit and help alleviate suffering.
- Recitation of Scriptures: Chanting sacred texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama, is a common spiritual practice during this period. It is believed to bring wisdom and inner peace.
- Pilgrimages: Many devotees embark on pilgrimages to holy places during Adhik Maas, seeking the blessings of deities and engaging in rituals that enhance their spiritual growth.
4. The Story of Adhik Maas:
According to Hindu mythology, the concept of Adhik Maas can be traced back to a legendary encounter between Lord Vishnu and King Bali. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, had granted King Bali the boon of residing in his kingdom for a specific period. To keep his promise, Lord Vishnu added an extra month to the lunar calendar so that King Bali’s stay would be fulfilled without breaching divine law.
5. Conclusion:
Adhik Maas is a remarkable and spiritually enriching concept in Hindu culture. It offers a unique opportunity for self-improvement, devotion, and acts of kindness. During this extra month, devotees come closer to the divine, seeking spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the universe. Whether through fasting, charity, scripture recitation, or pilgrimage, Adhik Maas provides a sacred space for individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. PropertyPistol does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.