Adhik Maas Spiritual Significance and Vrat Vidhi

Adhik Maas, or the month of Adhik, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The month is of utmost significance to the Vaishnavite sect.  It is a special lunar month that comes once in every 32 to 33 months or every three years to maintain an optimum balance between the lunar and solar cycles and bridge the 11-day gap between the 354 days of the lunar calendar and the 365 days of the solar calendar.

This month was originally referred to as the Mal Maas, but later came to be known as the Purushottam Maas. It is of prime importance in the towns of Vrindavan and Mathura, as they are considered to be places of Sri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Interestingly, Purushottam is one of the 1000 names of Vishnu.

According to the Padma Purana, the Kartik month is more auspicious than any other month. The Adhik maas is 1000 times more powerful than even this month.

Spiritual Significance

As a holy month, Adhik Maas holds spiritual significance that cannot be overlooked. Followers engage in different kinds of spiritual acts in the course of the month.

Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna looking towards spiritual development engage in reading scriptures like Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita and chanting prayers or mantras in the lord’s honour. It is said that this helps in eliminating planetary doshas. The Satyanaryan Katha is also read in this month and a lamp is lit daily in front of an idol or a statue of Vishnu.. 

Worshippers also get involved in charity-related activities and donations to brahmins according to their abilities. These acts can enhance their spiritual connection and relationships with others. 

Temples in Vrindavan and Mathura are decorated grandly and full of life during these days. Bhajans and kirtans are played in full fervour. Pilgrims from various places throng the shrines to receive the blessings of their favourite deity.

During this month, devotees adopt a simple sattvik lifestyle and refrain from materialistic pleasures. They engage in complete devotion, inner purification, and temple visits. This is believed to help them stay away from negative karma and attain moksha or liberation.

Vishnu Poojas Performed During Adhik Maas 

Two main poojas are performed in Lord Vishnu’s temples during this month, among several others. These are Lakshminarayan Pooja and Havan and Lord Vishnu Homam.

Lakshminarayan Pooja and Havan

Lord Vishnu, as well as His consort Goddess Lakshmi, are invoked through this pooja and rituals by devotees. It is believed that doing so will bless them with spiritual balance, family harmony, and financial stability.

Lord Vishnu Homam

This fire ritual is mainly performed by worshippers with instability or obstacles in their lives. The homam is believed to help in achieving divine protection and cleansing karma.

As Adhik maas is considered to be a month of correction, some people also perform Navagrah Shanti Pooja in this period. This pooja maintains a balance of the nine planets and maintains harmony between the human destiny and cosmic energies.

What to Avoid

There are certain things that you must avoid or refrain from doing during this period. Here are some of them.

You should keep away from sinful actions such as lying or insulting others. These actions can adversely impact your virtuous deeds. Gambling, smoking and such activities are also prohibited.

Do not include tamasic food like onion and garlic in your food. You should avoid them in all meals. Drinking alcohol is also not allowed.

Avoid undertaking any new venture during Adhik maas. This can be something like starting a new business or joining a new job.

Do not host functions like mundan (tonsuring head), marriage, engagement, upanayana or janeu (sacred thread ceremony) or housewarming during this period. Any other auspicious work must also be avoided.

No major assets should be bought or acquired during the Adhik Maas period. These include things like buying or building a new house, investing in expensive jewellery, and taking ownership of a new vehicle.

Adhik Maas Vrat

It is advisable to follow the vrat during the entire month if possible. However, those who cannot do so can undertake the fast for four to five days or at least one day during this month. Devotees usually opt to take either just liquids, fruits, fasting food like sabudhana, or only one Satvik vegetarian meal in a day. Non-vegetarian food should be avoided completely. They also try to avoid talking while eating. 

Story Behind Adhik Maas

There is an interesting legend behind why Adhik Maas is also called Purushottam Maas. As this month is an extra month, it had no deity associated with it. The month was criticised by other months, resulting in it feeling dejected. Moreover, people also declared it a wasted or an inauspicious month.

The upset month took the form of a person and went to Vaikunth, the abode of Lord Vishnu, to share its sorrow with the deity and be relieved from its present situation. The merciful lord felt pity for the month and told Adhik Maas that He would adopt the month. From then on, it would have the same status as the lord. In this regard, Vishnu also gave the month one of His own names – Purushottam that means the best of all. 

Additionally, the lord declared that anyone who engages in performing good deeds throughout this month will find solace from all his/her miseries. This is why devotees read scriptures in honour of Lord Vishnu, chant prayers or mantras in His honour, and perform Vishnu pooja.

There is no specific position for Adhik Maas in the lunar calendar and it occurs randomly between any two months. According to the Hindu calendar, in 2026, the Adhik maas falls between the 17th of May and the 15th of June. This month presents individuals a great opportunity to benefit spiritually, increase their faith in the lord, and strengthen their bond with the Almighty. It is believed that anyone who performs selfless spiritual acts during this month will be able to reconnect with their higher self and also be bestowed with inexhaustible merit and spiritual grace by none other than Lord Vishnu.