Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas has spiritual as well as religious importance. But it has scientific importance too. The philosophy or logic behind Adhik Maas is, it helps in imbibing virtues into oneself. It comes after every three years and teaches many things. In most families, it is treated as the month of son-in-law where they offer gifts, food to him. But Adhik Maas is not limited only to this particular feeling. It has vastness, there is a good thought involved in Adhik Maas. “Adhik-maas is also called the Mala-maas. In Marathi, it is called as ‘Dhondyacha Mahina’. Adhik-maas is an extra lunar month added to the solar calendar every three years so that the lunar and the solar years are synchronised, along with the agricultural cycle and seasons. When the Sun keeps moving within a Rashi in a lunar month, it takes the epithet Adhika or additional.” explained Pankaj Gaidhani from Nashik who has deep study in Indian rituals. He studies the aspect of rituals that would help mankind.

 

‘The Hitavada’ talked to him about ‘Adhik Maas’ against the backdrop of the beginning of this special month from July 18, 2023. “This year, Adhik Maas will be celebrated as ‘Adhik Shravan’, as it has come with the month ‘Shravan’. As per the Astrological science, Solar year is of 365 days, 6 hours and 11 seconds while lunar year is 354 days and 9 hours. It means there is a difference of 11 days in them. To keep balance between Solar and Lunar year, the second Adhik Maas comes after 32 months and 16 days, which means after every third year, this special month comes”, elaborated Gaidhani. “There is a spiritual reason behind worshipping son-in-law by his in-laws. Along with son-in-law and daughter, 33 couples too are worshipped. Son-in-law is treated as the form of Lord Vishnu and his wife is treated as Goddess Laxmi. Same is the case with 33 couples.

 

Vishnu runs the universe so this is a gesture of gratitude from humans,” said Gaidhani. Adhik Maas also comes with ‘Chaturmass’ when onion and garlic are not consumed. There is a scientific reason to it. This extra month comes during rainy season and consuming onion and garlic during rains is not advisable. It affects stomach. In a way, this month helps people to stay in good health, pointed out Pankaj Gaidhani. Why this 13th month comes after three years is the question asked by even God Narada to God Vishnu. There is a mythological story behind it. Narrating the story, Pankaj Gaidhani said, “Vishnu replied to Narada that in Kaliyug, the number of ill-deeds increased. Vices crossed the limit. All the 12 months lodged complaint with God that they are not able to tolerate the load of sins. They removed the third share of sins which formed the 13th month. Since that month is full of sins, it is also called as ‘Mala Maas’ means full of dirt.” “There is a golden side to this month. The chanting of God’s name assumes importance. People donate food, clothes and other things. The poor and needy people are served. The vital element in this month is listening to God’s name, the spiritual aspects related to life. Waking up early is a part of ritual followed in this month. This month makes everyone busy in so many spiritual activities. In a way, this month makes one imbibe virtues into oneself,” Gaidhani made it clear. n