Adhik Purshottam Maas - Vaishnav Sangh of UK

Adhik Purshottam Maas
The Supreme “extra” Month
VAISHNAV SANGH U.K.
Presentation prepared by Rajan D. Pitamber 24/04/10
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Adhik Purshottam Maas
 What is it exactly?
 Astronomical and Astrological reasoning
 Mythological Meaning & Significance
 What rituals to be performed?
 What purpose does it serve?
 How do we benefit?
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Introduction: TIME
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Meaning -
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What is Time? What is a month? How ancient rishis perceived time and what they concluded?
ASTRONOMICAL/Mathematical concept of time is self-evident. An hour consists of a certain
number of minutes, a day of hours and a year of days. But we rarely think about the fundamental
nature of time.
Time is passing non-stop, and we follow it with clocks and calendars. Yet we cannot study it with a
microscope or experiment with it. And it still keeps passing. We just cannot say what exactly
happens when time passes?
Time is represented through change, such as the circular motion of the moon around the earth.
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Adhika Maas = the extra lunar month, surplus month
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Whether it's in the telling of a joke or striking a business deal, there's nothing more important than
timing. What you do is important but when you do it is just as important.
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TIME –
Quality vs. Quantity <> Rishis vs. Modern Science
There are time periods which are particularly effective and there are those which are
disadvantageous.
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Ancient sages saw a relationship between movement of planets and happenings in the lives of
human beings
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Adhika Maas Introduction
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Krishna Adi 30 March to 28 April 2010
Shukla Adi 15 April to 14 May 2010
Adhika Maas = 13 Lunar months in 2010
instead of Twelve.
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The start dates of the Adhika Masa are
calculated in two different ways. North
Indian calculate it from Krishna Pratipada
tithi to Krishna pratipada tithi known as the
Krishna Adi system.
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While in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh the calculation is from
Shukla Pratipada Tithi to Shukla Pratipada
Tithi known as the Shukla Adi system.
This is the traditional difference in
Panchanga calculations. Other parts of
India tend to use the solar months so will
not experience the extra month.
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In 2010, the Adhika Masa happens in
the month of Vaishakha.
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Krishna Adi extra month will begin
from March 30, 2010 to April 28, 2010
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and the Shukla Adi begins from April
15, 2010 to May 14, 2010.
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The month of Vaishakh is dedicated to
Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu and
this makes the extra month in 2010
double auspicious.**** we will address this
point later on in the talk.
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Adhika Maas Introduction
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Krishna Adi 30 March to 28 April 2010 ~ Shukla Adi 15 April to 14 May 2010
The start dates of the Adhika Masa are calculated in two different ways. North Indian calculate it
from Krishna Pratipada tithi to Krishna pratipada tithi known as the Krishna Adi system.
While in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh the calculation is from Shukla
Pratipada Tithi to Shukla Pratipada Tithi known as the Shukla Adi system.
Lunar phases occur as the Sun illuminates the Moon at different angles as the Moon orbits Earth.
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Adhika Maas Calculation
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World in general uses Solar only Calendar,
Muslims use Lunar only calendar, and
Hindus use a SOLI-LUNAR calendar!
Lunar year consists of 354 solar days
(where MOON ROTATES AROUND THE
EARTH 12 times)
Solar year consists of 365 days
(where EARTH ROTATES AROUND THE
SUN fully 1 time).
There is a difference of 11 days between
the lunar and solar year.
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In approx. every three solar years to
compensate for the difference an extra
month is added and this is known as
Adhika Maas.
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According to Vashishta Siddhanta Adhika
Maas occurs after every 32 months, 16
days and 8 Ghadis. One Ghadi = 24
minutes.
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Adhika Maas Calculation
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Note: [The moon takes about 27.3 days to make one complete orbit around the earth. The earth
orbits around the sun once every 365.2422 days (= earth’s orbital speed of 29.79 km per second).
The earth and the moon in 27.3 days have moved as a “joint system” about 1/12 of the way
around the sun. This means that from one full moon to the next full moon, the moon must travel
2.2 extra days before it appears full. This is due to the curve of the earth’s orbit around the sun.
The moon is still making one complete orbit (circle) in 27.3 days. But to line up with the earth
and sun to become a full moon again it takes 29.531 days.
29.531 day Lunar month = 354.372 days per lunar year.
Thus we arrive at a difference of 10.87 days a year between a lunar year and a solar year of
365.2422 days per year.
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Adhika Maas Calculation
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Every 33 lunar months there is left over of almost exactly 30 days.
So what you do is every 33 months, you put in a leap month! You add to the lunar calendar one
extra month. And this keeps the solar and lunar calendars in sync with each other.
[Like leap year in the Gregorian calendar every 4 years because of 365.25 days]
But every 60 years you get a perfect re-sync of the lunar and solar cycles
The Sun started it’s first full day in Aries (1st sign of zodiac), in connection with 33rd month of the
cycle. So what we are in right now is a very special month which only occurs every few years.
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Adhika Maas Vaishakh Month 2010
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But every 60 years you get a perfect re-sync of the lunar and solar cycles
The Sun started it’s first full day in Aries (1st sign of zodiac), in connection with 33rd month of the
cycle on 15 April 2010 in the Month of Vaishak. So what we are in right now is a very special
month which only occurs every few years.
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Importance of VAISHAKA month can be gauged from the fact that three of Lord Vishnu’s
incarnations happened in this month – Parashuram, Narasimha and Kurma. (Those people
who consider Balaram as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu can add one more as Lord Balram too is
believed to have manifested in Vaishaka month. As well as Lord Buddha!)
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Adhika Maas Spiritual Story
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Adhik Maas is also known as Maal Maas or
Purushottama Maas.
There is a nice story about this. According to the
lunar year, there were only 12 months. Each of the
twelve months was assigned to 12 gods. So that
the lunar and the solar years do not get out of step
with days and seasons, the far-sighted Rishi-Munis
calculated and facilitated Adhik Maas (extra
month) and shown its importance.
But one problem still remained. Each of the 12
months was assigned to 12 different gods. But
the 13th extra month was not assigned to any god.
Adhik Maas (Mal Maas) felt sadness and
approached Lord Vishnu and said that no god was
assigned to him (Adhik Maas) and for that reason
he was called Mal Maas or Malimmucha. = dirty
month, loner, orphan/abandoned!
Adhik Maas further spoke to Lord Vishnu: ‘ I am
filled with anxiety and I have therefore come to
seek your refuge and help.’
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Adhika Maas Spiritual Story + Religious Significance
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Lord Vishnu took pity on him. The Lord (Vishnu)
agreed and assigned Adhik Maas to Himself
and gave the name Purushottama Maas to this
month.
Lord Vishnu also said that acquisition of merits
during all other months through good deeds, japa,
austerities etc ., can be acquired within this one
month only.
Since then it is known as the Purushottama
Maas and acquired greater significance than
the other months.
It is considered highly auspicious and spiritually
powerful Month.
Purusha means eternal being and Uttama is highly
regarded or best. This is an epithet for Lord
Vishnu.
This month is considered the best for spiritual
cleansings through fasts, prayer, charity, and
recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Purana and
Bhagawad Gita.
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Adhika Maas Spiritual Story + Religious Significance
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Purushottama Maas is the month during which the
humankind is privileged to become divinely
spiritual.
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Many fast for the whole month and keep their mind
focused on their inner divinity. Adhika Masa Vrata
( Fast) begins on the first day and ends on the last
day of Adhika Masa.. – as is explained in the
Bhavishyottar Purana
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This is the month of self-development, selfrevaluations, self-assessment, self-reflection, and
self-retrospection. It is a time for one’s own
spiritual development and progress.
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It is written in the Bhavishyottar Purana that Sri
Krishna Himself has said regarding Adhik Maas
Vrat that by carrying out the Vrat with the sole aim
of worshipping God, through fasting, cleanliness,
charity, puja etc. merits are acquired which
produce unfailing results and all sorts of calamities
are overcome.
Adhika Maas Spiritual Story + Religious Significance
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Mal Maas Vrat (Adhik Maaas Vrat) is capable of
washing away all the sins of people (who observe
the Vrat). During this month mukta, nakta, fasting
etc are undertaken and garments etc. are
distributed to charities.
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A beautiful story relates to how, in ancient times,
through the observance of Mal Maas Vrat, king
Nahush was released from all bondage and
acquired the throne of Indra (the ruler of gods).
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The Puranas also sing high praises about Adhik
Maas and indicate Vishnu Puja, readings of
scriptures, Bhagvat etc.
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Selfless actions, without the expectations of
results, are to be performed during Adhik Maas.
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During the entire month of Mal Maas Vrat eat
Sattvic food (vegetarian meals, milk, fruits, nuts,
grains, vegetables).
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Adhika Maas Spiritual Story + Religious Significance
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It is written in the Devi Bhagavat that charitable
and meritorious acts and fasting etc. carried
out during this Purshotam Maas inevitably
produce bountiful results. Just as atomic sized
contents within a seed produce a giant and
long living Banyan tree, so in the same manner
even a little charitable act done during Adhik
Maas produces significant results.
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Daana is an important aspect of
Vaisakhadharma. This can comprise the giving
of any item in charity, but the highest among
these is the daana of WATER or JALA DAAN.
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Adhika Maas Pushtimarg Religious Significance
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According to a Vaishnav Pranalika the various
annual utsavs are celebrated within the days of
Purshotam Maas..
The Purushottam Maas falls between the
Indian months of Chaitra and Ashwin only. In
this one month all the year round festivals are
celebrated daily with full enthusiasm, giving the
vaishnavs a chance to perform Aadhik seva for
the comforts and happiness of the Lord.
Shri Mahaprabhuji established Pushtimargiya
Seva parampara or the Seva Pranalika for the
benefit of Pushti Jeevas, for Vaishnavas to
perform Seva in ones own home. The essence
of which is expressing and performing Seva
through Premlakshana Bhakti.
In a book called Purushottama Granth can be
found many aspects of the special religious
significance of this month. Many people read or
listen to this book during Purushottama Maas
(Adhik Maas). By reading and listening, high
merits are acquired. There are lots of lovely
stories connected with the special significance
of this month.
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Adhika Maas Pushtimarg Religious Significance
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Some of the important utsavs / manoraths /
festivals of Aadhik Maas are as follows :-
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Nand Mahotsav (no panchamrat snaan, only
paalna and nadutsav) - Rath Yaatra Thakurani Teej - Cheer Haran Leela / Makhan
Chori Leela - Saanji - Vasant Panchmi Kasumba Chath - Gopashtami / Gocharan
Leela - Daan Ekadashi / Aankh Micholi Sharad Poonam - Caak-no-Manorath - Phool
Dol - Bhojan Thali - A variety of Hindolas /
Palnaas and Phool Mandlis - Variety of Ghatas
- Vraj Kamal - Giri Kandara - Vivahkhel - Hatadi
/ Deepmalika / Maansiganga and Summer
season festivals - Bageecha - Pushpavitaan Annakoot and many many more....................
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Adhika Maas - What Not To Do!
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During this month it is NOT advised to begin
anything of a mundane or material nature.
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Things pertaining to ordinary life should not be
started in this month.
New jobs, marriages, new houses, etc. These do
not get the karmic backing from the karma agents
(the astrological planets) because there is no
astrological planet in control of the month.
Therefore it is better to avoid doing such things
during this month.
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All efforts with the intention of worldly gains are
strictly prohibited during Adhikamass as
mentioned in scriptures –“न कु याद धके
मा स
का यं
कम कदाचन .”
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During this period, marriages, tonsures (mundan),
inaugurations of new home, fasting with desire of
some worldy gains, buying new ornaments and
vehicles are prohibited.
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The special days of Adhika Masa in 2010
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Dates we can give donation, pray, chant, read Bhagawad Gita and fast: (This is for those who are
unable to do this for the entire month). Rakshasas by name Nairuthas dominate in the Adhika
masa and destroy the phalas or fruits of all Kamya karmas. Kamya karmas are fasts or donations
that are done with reward in mind- therefore it is important to dedicate our fasts to the higher
power and do not have any expectations from them. Then the inner cleansing will take place.
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Akshaya Tritiya 17 April and 16 May- Akshaya tritiya is a very special day of the year when Sun
and Moon are exalted and this year it is being celebrated after the Adhika month. But in some
scholars opinion it should be celebrated twice as it falls in the beautiful month. It is also
considered the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Shukla Ekadashi / Dwadashi Tithi - belongs to Vishwadeva / Lord Vishnu ( 24/25 April)
Pournima- full Moon 28 April. This is also the end of the Kumbha mela and a special spiritual
bathing day at the Ganga River, [Jupiter is in Kumbha Raashi – ESPECIALLY FAVOURABLE]
Krishna Ashtami ( 6 April and 6 May)- Ashtami is Lord Krishna's monthly birthday
Krishna Navami, (7 April, 7 May) – Navami is Lord Ram’s birthday
Krishna Dwadashi,( 9 April, 10 May) – Lord Vishnu’s day
Krishna Chathurdashi, (13 April, 12 May) – Mataji, all mother Goddesses including Yamunaji
since they are all one and same SHAKTI
Amavasya (14 April, 13 May) – remembrance of pitrus / ancestors
Moon Transits Shravana Nakshatra (8 April and 8 May 2010)- The deity of Shravana is Lord
Vishnu in his Vaman avtaar
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Vratas & Daans for Adhika Masa
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These are some of the methods that are used during the months to purify and cleanse. Vrata
means to fast and this does not always mean fast from food !
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Ayachitha Vrata: Being content with what we have and not ask anybody for anything. This is the
most important Vrata or fast to feel happy regardless of your circumstances and not want anything
more. This is a fast from our desires.
Masa Snana: Snana or ritual bathing during Arunodaya (One and a half hour period before
Sunrise) on all days of the adhika masa in rivers / sarovaras / tanks / wells etc. You can also
shower or bathe at this time at home.
Akhanda Deepa: We should light a lamp with ghee and it should be continuously burning
throughout the month.
Deepa Seva: Lighting of 33 lamps, 108 lamps, 1008 lamps on all days / special days / one day or
any combination. You can also go to the temple and donate money and ghee for lighting of lamps.
Dharana Parana Vrata: Fifteen cycles (Muhurtas) of a complete day fasting (dharana) followed
by Parana (some food) on the next day. For this fast you abstain from cooked food completely
except for some fruit and water although many abstain from the fruit as well. On the following day
you eat one cooked meal only, and no fruit or anything else except water for the rest of the day.
Vishnu Panchaka Vratha: Five fasts during the month on ? Shravana Nakshatra day , Two
Ekadashis, Purnima and Amavasya
Naktha Bhojana / Eka Bhukta: Complete fasting during the day and just one meal at
night throughout the month.
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Vratas & Daans for Adhika Masa
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Thamboola Dana: Donation of betel nut on all days of the maas to brahmin.
Bagina dana: Women should give away baginas or bangles to poor people.
Apoopa Dana: Apoopas prepared out of Rice, Jaggery and Ghee. At least 33 apoopas in a
bronze vessel to be given away. Ghee in another vessel also to be given away. This is said to
bestow Vishesha Phala or special fruit.
Phala Dana: Donation of fruit, Minimum of 33 plantains, bananas or mangoes or Jack fruit or any
other fruit.
Vridha daan: Donation of food/water, clothes and medicine to the elderly, helpless, less fortunate
and infirm
Vidya daan: donation of books, stationery, money to the needy students/schools as well as to
bhramin students studing Vedas in Gurukulas
The number 33 mentioned in all the above cases is the minimum indicated and persons who can
afford need not limit to 33. Any kind of donation is good during this month. But do not do it with
expectation in mind.
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List of Adhika Maas up to 2027
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Adhika Masa bears the name of where the Full moon takes place in the month. Below is a list of
Adhika Maas until 2027:
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Vikrutinama Samhastra in 2010-2011 during Vaishaka maas
Nandananama Samhastra in 2012-2013 during Bhadrapada maas
Manmadanama Samhastra in 2015-2016 during Ashada maas
Vilambhinama Samhastra in 2018-2019 during Jyeshta maas
Saarvarinama Samhastra in 2020-2021 during Ashwini maas
Shobhakrutunama Samhastra in 2023-2024 during Sravana maas
Parabhavanama Samhastra in 2026-2027 during Jyeshtamasam
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KSHAYA MAAS or loss of Month !!
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In rare occasions, there may be a loss of the month and annually there will be only 11
months instead of twelve.
This is not considered a good time and is inauspicious.
It happens in a period of 19 years and 141 years.
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The names of the Hindu months + corresponding Western periods
Nakshatra at Poonam
Hindu Month
Western Month
Visakhah
Vaisakha
April-May
Jyeshtha
Jyaishtha
May-June
Ashadha
June-July
Shravana
Shraavan
July-August
Purvabhadrapada
Bhaadra
August-September
Ashvini
Asvina
September-October
Krittika
Kartika
October-November
Mrigashira
Margshira
November-December
Pushya
Pausha
December-January
Magha
Magha
January-February
Uttaraphalguni
Phalguna
February-March
Chitra
Chaitra
March-April
Purvashadha
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Zodiac + Lunar Mansions
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Know Your Birth Month?
MAASA - PHALA (FORECAST ON THE BASIS OF BIRTH MONTHS)
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1) CHAITRA: Person born in the month of Chaitra performs virtuous actions, is a scholar, humble, interested in
sensual pleasures, loves sweet things, loves friends, is a state minister and discriminative.
2) VAISHAKHA: If a person is born in the month of Vaishakha, he possesses the best characteristics, is virtuous,
humble, powerful, religious, but lusty and enjoys a long life.
3) JYESTHA : If a person is born in the month of Jyestha, he is of ‘Forget and Forgive’ type of person, restless,
lives abroad, is brilliant, intelligent and a procrastinator.
4) ASHADHA : A person born in this month,wastes his time in useless talks , is careless and negligent, respects
his teacher, has less appetite, engaged in virtuous actions but very proud.
5) SHRAVANA : If a person is born in this month, he obeys his father’s command, enjoys happy and satisfied
family life, is famous and full of qualities.
6) BHADRAPADA : A person born in this month is rich, possesses a weak body, enjoys a happy family life, and is
unaffected by joy and sorrow.
7) AASHWIN: If a person is born in this month, he is a scholar, possesses wealth, performs virtuous actions,
accepts the good qualities of others, possesses wealth and vehicles.
8) KARTIK : A person born in this month performs virtuous deeds, very talkative, rich, brave, lusty, and carries out
the business of buying and selling and is very famous.
9) MARGASHIRSHA : A person born in this month, loves pilgrimage, is humble, has expertise in art forms, is a
sensualist, benevolent, always on the path of virtuousness and rich.
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Know Your Birth Month?
MAASA - PHALA (FORECAST ON THE BASIS OF BIRTH MONTHS)
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10) PAUSHA : A person born in this month is benevolent but not so fortunate to possess ancestral wealth, spends
wealth acquired after great hardship, has the ability to conceal his thoughts, is a practitioner of the scriptures and
has a weak body.
11) MAGHA : A person born in this month, is a practitioner of Yoga, has the knowledge of sacred hymns
(mantras), loves to meet religious people and defeats his enemies using his wit.
12) PHALGUNA : A person born in this month, is benevolent, efficient in his occupation, kind hearted, powerful,
possesses a delicate and tender body, a flirt and talks illogically.
13) ADHIKA MAASA: In all the calendars other than the universal Gregorian calendar, months are counted on the basis of the
movement of the Moon. Hindu Panchang also follows Moon's motion in the calculation of months. But a lunar month contains 2 or 3 days
less than the standard Gregorian month. Still, Hindu Panchangs have to follow the pattern of 12 months in a year. Thus, the remaining 2 or
3 days keep on adding as additional days. Hence, after every 3 or 4 years, these days assume a magnitude of a month and that year
contains 13 instead of 12. This extra month is known as Adhika Maasa. If a person is born in this month, he is
uninterested in the sensual pleasures, has inclination towards virtuosity, loves performing pilgrimages, is
free of diseases and loved by all.
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