Adhik Maas comes every three years and is a very special month in the Hindu calendar. This month is also called Adhika Masam, Mal Maas, Purushottam Maas, Malimmacha and Londa Maas. In 2023, since it falls in the Sravana Masam, it is also called Sravana Adhika Masam. Adhik Maas is considered an inauspicious period when no festivals fall in the month, and marriage ceremonies, housewarming ceremonies and other auspicious occasions are avoided during this time period. The concept of Adhik Maas is similar to a leap day in the English calendar, but in this case, the whole month leaps! This month is also dedicated to Lord Purushottam, which is another form of Lord Vishnu. Learn more about the Adhik Maas start and end dates in 2023, its significance and rituals performed in the inauspicious month. Hindu Festivals 2023 Dates’ List for PDF Download Online: Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja and Navratri, Know About Major Celebrations in New Year.

Adhik Maas 2023 Start and End Dates

In 2023, Adhik Maas starts on Tuesday, July 18 and ends on Wednesday, August 16. After this, the next Adhik Maas will be in 2026, 2029 and so on.

Significance of Adhik Maas

In all the lunar months of the Hindu calendar, there is a single Sankranti point when the sun moves from one zodiac to another, and it happens only once during the entire span of the lunar month. But all the lunar months without the Sankranti are marked as Adhik Maas, which is observed approximately every three years. While it is not considered a good month to perform auspicious tasks, it is considered a significant month to perform austerity and is dedicated to Lord Purushottam, another form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is the lord of Adhik Maas. Since it had no deity as its ruler and every other month did, Lord Vishnu stepped in to become its owner, according to legends.

Rituals of Adhik Maas

It is considered essential to do charity during this month. People are also encouraged to perform Snana during Arunodaya on all days of the Maas. Some other rituals of this month include Akhanda Deepa, where one lamp must glow throughout the month continuously, Naktha Bhojana, which is complete fasting during the day and taking just one meal at night and Vishnu Panchaka Vratha, which are five fasts during the month on Shravana Nakshatra day, two Ekadashis, Pournami and Amavasya.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2022 02:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).