Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas or Malmas, is one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar. This holy month comes once every 2.5 to 3 years and is fully dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that prayers, charity, fasting, and spiritual activities performed during this month bring special blessings and peace in the devotee’s life.
During this divine month, devotees spend more time in devotion, visit temples, chant Vishnu mantras, read holy scriptures, and perform daan. The month is considered highly beneficial for spiritual growth and self-purification.
In this blog, you’ll get everything about Adhik Maas 2026 dates, rituals, importance, fasting rules, benefits, Adhik Maas ki Katha, and what to do in Purushottam Maas.
What is Adhik Maas?
Purushottam Maas is an extra month added to the Hindu lunar calendar. The lunar calendar is based on the movement of the Moon, while the solar calendar follows the Sun.
A lunar year has around 354 days, while a solar year has around 365 days. Because of this difference, an extra month is added approximately every 32 months to balance the calendar. This extra month is called Adhik Month.
Adhik Maas is also known as:
- Purushottam Maas
- Mal Maas
- Extra Lunar Month
Among devotees, the name Purushottam Maas is considered the most sacred because this month is associated with Lord Vishnu.
Adhik Maas 2026 Dates
This sacred extra lunar month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and is considered highly meaningful for prayer, fasting, charity, and spiritual activities.
Purushottam Maas 2026 Start and End Date
- Start Date: May 17, 2026 (Sunday)
- End Date: June 15, 2026 (Monday)
During this holy month, devotees across India observe special pujas, chant Vishnu mantras, visit temples, perform daan, and spend more time in devotion and spiritual practices.
Adhik Maas Ki Katha
The story of Adhik Maas is very popular among Hindu devotees and is known as Purushottam Maas Ki Katha.
According to the scriptures, the extra lunar month was once called “Mala Maas,” meaning an unwanted month. Since no important religious events were celebrated during this period, people ignored it and considered it unlucky.
Feeling unhappy, the month went to different gods for help, but nobody accepted it. Finally, the month reached Lord Vishnu and requested blessings.
Lord Vishnu listened kindly and decided to bless the month with His own divine name, “Purushottam.” He declared that anyone who performs devotion, fasting, charity, prayers, and spiritual activities during this month will receive special blessings.
After this blessing, Adhik Maas became known as Purushottam Maas and gained great spiritual importance in Hinduism.
Message of Purushottam Maas Ki Katha
The story teaches us:
- Nobody is small or unimportant
- Faith and devotion can change life
- God always listens to sincere prayers
- Spiritual practices bring positivity and peace
Because of this belief, devotees spend Purushottam Maas in prayer, fasting, temple visits, and charity.
Why is Adhik Maas Called Purushottam Maas?
According to Hindu beliefs, the extra month initially had no importance and was ignored by everyone. The month felt sad because no festivals, marriages, or celebrations were connected to it.
The extra month then prayed to Lord Vishnu for help and respect. Lord Vishnu blessed the month and gave it His own name, “Purushottam,” which means Supreme God.
From that time, Adhik Month became one of the holiest months for worship, fasting, charity, and devotion.
Importance of Purushottam Month
Purushottam Maas is considered very important for spiritual growth. Devotees believe that worship and good deeds done during this month bring more spiritual benefits than usual.
The month is considered ideal for:
- Vishnu worship
- Prayer and meditation
- Charity and daan
- Fasting
- Reading religious scriptures
- Visiting temples
- Chanting mantras
Many devotees read:
- Bhagavad Gita
- Shrimad Bhagavatam
- Vishnu Sahasranama
- Purushottam Maas Katha
during this sacred month.
What to do in Adhik Maas?
Worship Lord Vishnu
Devotees worship Lord Vishnu daily during Purushottam Maas. Offering Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, and lamps is considered highly auspicious.
Chant Vishnu Mantras
Chanting Vishnu mantras during this holy Month is believed to bring peace and positivity.
Popular mantras include:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Om Namo Narayanaya
- Vishnu Sahasranama
Observe Fasting
Many people keep fasts during Adhik Maas, especially on:
- Ekadashi
- Mondays
- Important Vishnu-related days
Simple sattvic food is usually eaten during fasting.
Donate to the Needy
Charity holds special importance during Purushottam Maas. Donating food, clothes, grains, fruits, and money is believed to bring blessings and spiritual merit.
Visit Temples
Devotees visit Vishnu and Krishna temples during the holy month for darshan and puja.
Popular temples visited during Purushottam Maas include:
Pilgrims planning temple visits and dharamshala stays can also arrange accommodation through YatraDham.Org.
Things to Avoid During Adhik Maas
Traditionally, many families avoid major celebrations and material activities during this sacred month.
People usually avoid:
- Marriage ceremonies
- Housewarming functions
- Property-related celebrations
- Luxury activities
The month is mainly dedicated to spirituality, simplicity, and devotion.
Benefits of Adhik Maas
Devotees believe that observing Purushottam Maas sincerely can:
- Bring happiness & mental peace
- Increase positivity
- Improve spiritual focus
- Remove negative energy
- Bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu
Many people also believe that prayers offered during this month become especially fruitful.
Adhik Maas Fasting Rules
Fasting rules may vary according to family traditions and regions, but common practices include:
- Eating sattvic food
- Avoiding onions and garlic
- Maintaining cleanliness and discipline
- Chanting mantras daily
- Reading holy books
- Avoiding anger and negative speech
Some devotees observe complete fasting on Ekadashi during Purushottam Maas.
Popular Pujas Performed During Adhik Maas 2026
Many devotees perform special pujas during this sacred month to seek peace, prosperity, positivity, and divine blessings. Vishnu Puja, Ekadashi Puja, Purushottam Maas Vrat Puja, Vishnu Sahasranama Path, and Satyanarayan Puja are among the most commonly performed rituals during this month. Devotees also chant Vishnu mantras, offer Tulsi leaves, light diyas, and read the Bhagavad Gita for spiritual peace and divine blessings.
People believe that performing pujas, fasting, charity, and anna daan during Adhik Maas 2026 helps remove negativity and bring positivity, peace, and spiritual growth in life. If you also want to conduct these rituals, then YatraDham.Org can help. We provide the best puja services at reasonable prices for every devotee. Whether you are at home or at a famous temple, YatraDham offers both kinds of puja options, online and offline. Now worry-free, just book your divine puja today with the best deals through YatraDham.Org.
Best Cities for Accommodation During Adhik Maas 2026
During Adhik Maas 2026, thousands of devotees travel to sacred cities like Dwarka, Vrindavan, Mathura, Puri, Tirupati, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ujjain, Nashik, and Ayodhya for darshan, puja, fasting, and spiritual activities. Pilgrims visiting these holy destinations during Purushottam Maas can easily book comfortable and affordable stays.
Our trusted religious platform, YatraDham.Org, provides several accommodation options for every devotee, such as dharamshalas, guest houses, dormitories, and budget-friendly family rooms for a peaceful and devotional stay near major temples and pilgrimage areas through YatraDham.Org.
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FAQ’s
Yes, both names are considered to be the same sacred extra month in the Hindu calendar.
Lord Vishnu is mainly worshipped during Purushottam Maas.
Devotees believe fasting helps in spiritual purification, peace, positivity and devotion.
Adhik Maas generally comes once every 2 years and 8 months to 3 years.
In 2026, Adhik Maas will fall in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha and is known as Adhik Jyeshtha Maas. It will be observed from 17 May 2026 to 15 June 2026.
