PURUṢOTTAMA MONTH (ADHIKA MĀSA)
May 16 - June 15

Puruṣottama Month, also known as Adhika Māsa, is the sacred extra lunar month that comes around approximately once every three years. Across India, saints, sādhus, pilgrims, and sincere spiritual seekers from many sampradāyas dedicate this month to deeper sādhana, prayer, charity, japa, pilgrimage, and devotion to Bhagavān.

The scriptures glorify this month as the "King of all sacred months" because spiritual practices performed during this time yield extraordinary spiritual benefit and inner purification.

The ancient ṛṣis had an astonishing understanding of astronomy, time, ritual cycles, and cosmic rhythms. To keep sacred festivals, seasonal observances, and lunar calculations properly aligned, adjustments were periodically made to the Vedic calendar. This additional lunar month became known as Adhika Māsa, the "extra month."

Over time, because this month was not associated with the usual worldly rituals, ceremonies, or materialistic reward seeking activities, it became neglected and unwanted. It came to be called Mal Māsa. No devatā wished to preside over it.

Rejected and without honor, this month approached Śrīman Narāyana for shelter.
Moved by the compassion, Lord accepted this abandoned month and gave it His own divine name: Puruṣottama. By doing so, He filled it with His grace, mercy, and spiritual potency. What was once neglected became the most spiritually exalted month of all.

For Vaiṣṇavas, the word mal carries another meaning. It refers to the impurities of ignorance, ego, attachment and the accumulated karma of countless lifetimes. Devotional practices performed during this sacred month have a special power to cleanse these inner coverings and awaken deeper remembrance of the Lord.

This is a month to deepen one's sādhana and spiritual discipline and to increase japa and remembrance of Bhagavān.

The scriptures explain that residing in a holy dhāma or visiting temples during this month grants immense spiritual benefit, and offering donations, supporting temples, spiritual communities, and saintly persons becomes especially auspicious.

Puruṣottama Month is ultimately an invitation, a sacred pause in time, where Bhagavān opens the door wider for the soul to return toward Him through devotion, remembrance, and grace.

- Amrita dasi