What is the significance of Purushottam Mass (Adhik Mass)?

Introduction

An imminent arrival approaches, carrying profound significance for those who yearn to commence or advance upon their spiritual path. Recognized as 'Adhik Maas' or 'Purushottam Maas,' this lunar month within the Hindu calendar holds a revered status, particularly in relation to Lord Vishnu. It is widely upheld that virtuous endeavors undertaken during this sacred period manifest magnified rewards for the righteous practitioner

Why is it called "Adhik Mass"?

The lunar-based calendar experiences a minor lag over time, resulting in the addition of an intercalary month approximately every 2.5 years. This additional month is commonly referred to as "Adhik" or "extra" maas.

Rituals and Celebrations

Machhegaun village in Nepal hosts a grand month-long fair during Adhik Masa, captivating the hearts of devotees. It is widely believed that immersing oneself in the sacred pond at Machhenarayan temple can absolve all sins.

Unlike specific festivals like Dussehra or Deepavali, Adhik Masa is not characterized by any particular observances. Instead, it is regarded as a holy month where many individuals undertake the Adhik Masa Vrata. During this period, people engage in various spiritual practices such as reciting mantras, performing circumambulations (pradakshinas), embarking on pilgrimages, reading scriptures, and participating in parayanas (devotional recitations).

Throughout Adhik Masa, devotees actively partake in diverse religious rituals, including fasting, chanting sacred texts and mantras, offering prayers, and conducting havans (fire rituals). Fasts of varying durations—ranging from a single day, half a day, weekly, fortnightly, to the entire month—are practiced. These fasts may involve complete abstinence, consuming only liquids, or restricting the diet to fruits and vegetarian meals, depending on an individual's capacity. It is believed that performing noble deeds (sat karma) during this auspicious month allows one to gain mastery over their senses (indriyas) and break free from the cycle of rebirth (punar janam).

Adhik Masa is often considered a time of inauspiciousness (mala), leading to the avoidance of certain ceremonies such as weddings. It also serves as an opportunity for devotees to make up for any previously neglected religious obligations.

In Maharashtra's Beed district, lies the small village of Purushottampuri, housing a temple dedicated to Purushottam, a regional form of Lord Krishna. Each Adhik Masa, a grand fair is organized, attracting thousands of pilgrims from various regions who converge to seek the divine blessings of the deity.

Significance of reading scriptures during Purushottama Mass

During this sacred month, Hindus engage in additional prayers as part of their spiritual observance. They dedicate time to reading sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other religious scriptures. Chanting the holy names of Lord Vishnu is also an integral practice. Furthermore, individuals offer prayers to their chosen Ischcha Devta (Favorite Deity) as well as their Ghar Devta or Devi (Family Deity) to seek their blessings in various aspects of life.

A significant recommendation during this period is to learn and recite the 'Purushottam Yog' chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, aiming to attain the divine auspiciousness associated with it. This particular chapter holds special significance for devotees during Adhik Masa.

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Scientific Significance of Purushottama Mass:-

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a renowned Vedic scholar, and magistrate of Jagannath Puri during the British era, authored a paper shedding light on the significance of the Purushottam Month and the associated calculations. Here is the link to his work:  https://bhaktivinodainstitute.org/the-glories-of-purusottama-masa/ . Please read this paper for in-depth knowledge about Adhika Mass and its significance etc.

Devotees hold Adhik Maas (also known as Adhi-māsa) in high regard because it provides a special opportunity for spiritual practitioners. One of the reasons it is cherished is that during this month, there is no interference or distraction from the performance of karma-kāṇḍa, which refers to rituals and religious activities focused on material desires and benefits.

Adhik Maas is considered an auspicious period for spiritual practices as it allows individuals to dedicate themselves solely to devotion and spiritual growth without the usual engagement in worldly rituals and obligations. It offers a chance to deepen one's connection with the divine and engage in additional prayers, meditation, scriptural study, and devotional activities without the influence of material desires or external distractions.

Devotees embrace Adhik Maas as a precious time to intensify their spiritual pursuits, seek inner transformation, and strengthen their bond with the divine. It is viewed as an opportunity to elevate one's consciousness and progress on the path of devotion without the hindrances often associated with materialistic engagements.

Happy Purushottam Massa

Hare Krishna🙏

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References:-

1. https://www.freepressjournal.in/spirituality/purushottam-maas-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-special-month-from-hindu-calendar
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhika-masa
3. https://www.freepressjournal.in/spirituality/purushottam-maas-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-special-month-from-hindu-calendar
4. https://indianexpress.com/article/religion/the-science-behind-adhik-maas-purushottam-month-5216097/
5. https://bhaktivinodainstitute.org/the-glories-of-purusottama-masa/