Adhikmas is a rare extra month in the primarily lunar Hindu calendar that is nearly 11 days shorter than the solar year or Gregorian calendar with 12 months of 28–31 days each. Hence an extra month needs to be inserted or added every 32–33 months to align the lunar calendar (dependent on phases of the moon) with the solar year.
This extra 13th month of the Hindu calendar also known as Purushottam Maas (named after Lord Vishnu) is believed to be highly auspicious for devotion, prayers, charity, and spiritual practices, but at the same time is not considered suitable for marriages, housewarmings, or starting new ventures. Adhikmas reminds us that true fulfilment lies not in possessions but in devotion.
Spiritual Significance
The Padma Purana describes how the other months used to shun the Adhikmas also known as Mal Maas (impure and inauspicious) for being “extra” or unwanted and without any presiding deity. This prompted the Adhikmas to approach Lord Vishnu. Perturbed by its sorrow Lord Vishnu declared that: “From now on, I am your master. My divine qualities will reside in you. Just as I am called Purushottam, you too will be known as Purushottam Maas. Whoever worships me during this month shall attain blessings beyond measure.”
Since that day devotees believe that fasting, meditation, and charity during the month as well as reading Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Vishnu Sahasranama bring multiple blessings.Acts like donating food, clothes, or money, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, and lighting lamps near Tulsi plants are considered rewarding.
The Dos and Dont’s:
Rituals and Practices
- Daily recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.
- Fasting on Ekadashi, consuming only sattvic food.
- Charity: Donating grains, clothes, or money to the needy.
- Meditation and japa: Chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
- Temple visits: Offering prayers and lighting diyas near Tulsi plants.
Prohibited activities:
- Marriage ceremonies
- Housewarming
- New business launches
- Mundan or Upanayana
- Idol consecration
These restrictions are not punishment but a reminder of balance. Just as nature requires rest and renewal, human life too benefits from periods of introspection. By avoiding material milestones, devotees are encouraged to focus on inner growth.
The Legend of Harishchandra and Adhikmas
According to legendKing Harishchandra a noble king of Ayudhya known for his unwavering commitment to truth sacrificed his kingdom, wealth, and family to honour a debt to Sage Vishwamitra. As a result, the king and his wife Taramati were forced into slavery and faced many hardships. Harishchandra even had to work in a crematorium but refused to compromise on his principles.
Taking pity on his plight, some wise sages advised him to observe the Purushottam Vrata (fasting, prayer, and charity) during the sacred Adhikmas.
By strictly dedicating this “extra month” to the worship of Lord Purushottam (Lord Vishnu), Harishchandra’s sins were washed away. He was ultimately granted divine deliverance, restoring his kingdom, family, and rightful glory.
Hiranyakashipu and the Narasimha avatar
According to yet another legend Hiranyakashipu a powerful Asura king, managed to secure a boon from Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible. Having secured the boon, Hiranyakashipu declared himself greater than the gods and started demanded that everyone worship him instead of worshipping Lord Vishnu. As per the boon he could not
- be killed by man or beast
- either indoors or outdoors.
- in day or night.
- by weapons, nor on earth or in the sky.
This prevented his death in any of the 12 months, so Lord Vishnu created a 13th month called Adhikmas and took the Narasimha avatar – half-man, half-lion form to uphold dharma. Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu at twilight (neither day nor night), on the threshold (neither indoors nor outdoors), placing him on his lap (neither earth nor sky), and using claws (not weapons).
This explains why Adhikmas is considered highly auspicious for spiritual renewal and devotion to Lord Vishnu but unsuitable for starting new ventures and initiative. The logic behind this is simple: Adhikmas is a “pause” in worldly life – for reflection and spiritual renewal rather than material expansion.
Adhikmas is a month that transforms impurity into sanctity, despair into hope, and devotion into liberation and reminds us that true fulfilment lies in devotion and selfless service.
Together, Harishchandra and Narasimha’s legends make Adhikmas a month of truth, devotion, sacrifice, and divine justice. It is observed all over the world both as a time for scientific correction and spiritual opportunity deeply rooted in mythology.
These stories emphasize that devotion, not wealth or status, determines the merit gained during Adhikmas.
How is Adhikmas celebrated in the current times:
Devotees try to appease Lord Vishnu by fasting, chanting, meditation, and reading scriptures during the month.
Two highly auspicious and rare fasts like Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi occur only in Adhikmas (the Hindu leap month).
Padmini Ekadashi (Adhika Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi) Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Also known as Kamala Ekadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is believed to grant salvation, immense merit, and spiritual purification
Parama Ekadashi (Adhika Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi) Thursday, June 11, 2026: Dedicated to removing sins, securing wealth, and providing ultimate liberation.
Ekadashi fasting spans for three days. Devotees take single meal in the afternoon a day before fasting day to make sure there is no residual food in the stomach on next day. Devotees keep strict fast on Ekadashi day and break the fast on next day only after sunrise. Eating of all type of grains and cereals is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
Devotees can choose to observe fasting without water, with only water, with only fruits, with one-time latex food according to their will and body power. However, it should be decided before starting the fast.
Regional Variations in India
Adhikmas is celebrated differently across regions:
- North India: Mass recitations of the Bhagavad Gita and kirtans in Vrindavan and Mathura. Special Rudrabhishek ceremonies are conducted at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi with mass chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Maharashtra: Families perform Satyanarayan Katha and distribute food to the poor.
- Gujarat: Collective readings of the Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana.
- South India: special pujas are performed to worship Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati Balaji Temple.
- Eastern India: In Odisha, temples organize charity drives and bhajans dedicated to Jagannath.
How is Adhikmas celebrated – all over the world
Not just in India, Adhikmas is observed with pomp and show all over the world:
- United States: Temples in New Jersey, California, and Texas organize month-long recitations of the Bhagavad Gita and host charity events.
- United Kingdom: ISKCON temples in London hold special kirtans and distribute prasadam to the homeless.
- Mauritius and Fiji: Communities emphasize collective chanting and charity, blending local culture with Hindu devotion.
- Singapore and Malaysia: Temples organize online satsangs and meditation sessions, making Adhikmas accessible to younger generations.
- Middle East: Hindu expatriates gather in Dubai and Abu Dhabi temples for group prayers and fasting rituals.
These show how Adhikmas has transcended geography, becoming a unifying spiritual observance for Hindus worldwide.
Conclusion
Adhikmas, or Purushottam Maas, is more than an astronomical adjustment. It is a sacred pause, a month sanctified by Lord Vishnu, offering devotees a chance to deepen their spiritual practices. From the stories of ancient kings and sages to modern global communities, Adhikmas continues to inspire devotion, charity, and reflection.
In a world often consumed by material pursuits, Adhikmas reminds us that true fulfilment lies in devotion and selfless service. It is a cosmic gift — a month that transforms impurity into sanctity, despair into hope, and devotion into liberation.
