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Goswami AashrayKumarji Mahodayshri

Purshottam Maas, also known as Adhik Maas or Mal Maas, is a very special month in the Hindu calendar that only comes around once every few years. In 2020, we are blessed to have this month in the Hindu calendar, occurring from 18 September until 16 October.
During this time, Pushtimargiya vaishnavs and other devotees are advised to engage in shri prabhu seva, spiritual service, fasting, charitable giving, and other devotional activities in order to take full advantage of all of the gifts that this month has to offer for the soul. Although this month is often considered an inauspicious time due to various astrological reasons, it can also be a highly auspicious time to deepen your devotional seva to Shri Krishna. See below to learn more about this extraordinary time of year! What is Adhik Maas?
Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas is essentially an extra month added to the Hindu lunar calendar every 32.5 months to balance the gap between the lunar and solar years. Purushottam Maas occurs every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 ghadi (approximately 3 hours) as laid out by the astronomical system of Vasishtha Siddhantha.
Nearly every calendar in the world has an adjustment of the calendars in some form. In the Gregorian calendar, this is known as the leap day, which is the extra day at the end of February, added every 4 years. But the Hindu lunar calendar system of adjusting the dates between the lunar and solar years is actually the most accurate method for this modification.
In the Hindu lunar calendar, the solar year is 365 days and 6 hours, whereas the lunar year is 354 days. Due to this difference in time, a time gapbegins to accumulate of 11 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds every year between the lunar and solar years. The Hindu lunar calendar's unique method adds in a special thirteenth month to make up for this gap in time approximately every 2.7 years. Due to this variation in time, Adhik Maas occurs at a different time in the calendar every year.
The History and Meaning of Adhik Maas
Besides the primary astrological and astronomical significance of this month, Purushottam Maas is also a highly religiously significant month as well, particularly for Pushtimargiya vaishnavs. It is said that when this month was created, none of the Gods wanted to be worshipped during this period because it only occurred every few years. The Gods requested that Lord Vishnu be the one to be worshipped during this month, and that is why Adhik Maas is now referred to as Purushottam Maas.
Given the significant connection that this month has with Lord Vishnu, this month is particularly potent for us. It is advised that we engage in prayer, fasting, charity, self-improvement, and other spiritual activities during this month.
Since this month only occurs every few years, there are no festivals that occur during it. In fact, this month is technically considered an inauspicious time, and it is generally not advised for people to perform auspicious work or events such as marriages, new business ventures, or large purchases. However, this entire month is also treated as a holy month. In some parts of South Asia, it is celebrated as a month-long celebration or mela. People who perform good deeds towards others and additional service towards Shri Krishna will surely conquer their senses.
5 Ways to Honor Adhik Maas
Given the religious significance of this month, it is essential to lead a pious and celibate life during this time in addition to engaging in other spiritually potent activities. See below for a few ideas of ways to honor this month and engage in more profound spiritual service.

• Engage in Thakorji's Seva This month is an ideal time to engage in Prabhu Seva. There are many ways that you can honor and worship Lord Krishna. But some of the most powerful things you can do during this time is to involve yourself more and more in shri prabhu's seva, manorath, kirtan, samagri and satsang/path. You can also practice regular puja and havan as well but our main aim should be prabhu seva and naam. 
• Donate to Bhramnins and Those in Need As mentioned, charitable giving and good deeds are an excellent way to deepen your spiritual connection with Krishna. Through regular charitable giving, you can deepen your relationships with others and improve your community through even a small generous act.
• Practice Regular Fasting Fasting or vrata during this month is incredibly potent. By fasting even only one time in the month while focusing your mind entirely on Krishna, you can skyrocket your relationship with Lord Krishna and deepen your spirituality.
• Commit to Japa Meditation Regular japa meditation during this month is essential as it creates a long-lasting connection with Lord Krishna and can considerably further you on your spiritual path. This month is also an excellent time to perform some extra japa malas and practice some additional prayers for self - introspection and self-improvement.
• Immerse in Scriptural Reading During this month, scriptural reading, particularly of the Bhagavad Gita, Shrimad Bhagwat, Shodash granth, Purshottam Sahastra naam etc, Can significantly deepen your connection with Lord Krishna and honor the spiritual potency of this time. This is also a good time to try to engage in parayana or reading scripture from beginning to end.

Summary Adhik Maas has extra spiritual potency, and it is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection with Lord Krishna and recommit to your faith. By engaging in even only one of the spiritual activities described above, you can significantly benefit spiritually and take advantage of this special time that only comes around every few years!

- Goswami AashrayKumarji Mahodayshri