The period of Adhik Maas has always occupied a regular slot on the Hindu calendar, added on every two and a half years or so. This year, this most auspicious period for worship and sacrifice, began on May 15 and ends on June 13, 2018.
However, differing views are being expressed that pooja(worship) should not be done during this period. Such a stance has created doubt and uncertainty in the minds of Hindus. Such a prohibition is cause for concern.
SWAHA, as a responsible Sanatanist body, considers it incumbent to establish its position on this additional month of the lunar calendar. In the text Vratraaj (the king of sacred observances), Shri Vishnu emphasized that the correct name of the month is Purushottam Maas because he has adopted this month as his own. The following are proclamations from Vratraaj on the astronomical reason for this additional month, mythology behind its name and the grandeur it holds:
- Whenever Sankranti does not fall within one month then the month is considered to be an adhik or additional month and Adhik Maas occurs. The lunar calendar year then has 13 months.
- When there are two Sankrantis or solar transitions within one month then it is referred to as a ‘kshaya’(lost) month and the year becomes a lunar year with one reduced month (11 months). The lunar year comprising of eleven months only is very rare. It occurs once in 140 years or once in 190 years. But the extra month or Adhik Maas comes every two to three years.
- Adhik Maas is a blessed month. There is no doubt that whosoever performs ‘vrat’ (fast or sacrifice) and worships in this month receives all fulfillment.
- In Adhik Maas all success comes and sins of many life-times are cut when regular injunctions are carried out.
- The welfare of mankind is served well through the various rituals performed at this time.
- On the other hand, anyone who spends this period idly, suffers in the filth of sin, worry and poverty.
- Mythological background: This additional month was simply referred to as ‘Malmaas’ since no name was attached to it. Lord Vishnu assigned His name to the month, hence the name Purushottam Maas. Lord Krishna, also known by this name, made the following pronouncement: ‘Purushottam Maas is the month of offering pooja( worship), japa( repetition of the name of the Divine), to do lot of service. Anyone worships in this month will be benefited a thousand times more. If you offer pooja and sadhana (discipline) for the entire month you will get rid of all pains and attain to the state of self-realization.’
Based on the above, it is clear that Adhik Maas is a most auspicious time for performing rites and rituals. There are no prohibitions. Some may claim that this month is ‘Malmaas’, an impure time for worship. Therefore, what should you do? Worship or not? Carry out the injunctions or not? Pray a little or increase the intensity of worship?
SWAHA advises that all should be guided by the injunctions as prescribed by the Hindu texts. As responsible Hindus, we need to make the right choices. We need to be vigilant and intensify our worship during this auspicious time.
Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad
Spiritual Head
SWAHA Inc.
