“Purushottam Maas” is an extra month that occurs on one of the months between Chaitra & Ashwin. Sometimes this Adhik Maas is observed in the month of Falgun of the traditional Hindu calendar. Dedicated to the epithet of Lord Vishnu, this is that additional month added every third year. To match the days & seasons of the lunar months on the solar calendar, a few saints calculated and hence the Maal Maas was added.

We all know that there are a total of 12 months in the satellite calendar which is accompanied by the astronomical calendar consisting of 12 months & 6 minutes. Therefore, there comes a difference of eleven days that becomes one month in a period of three years. To match the two calendars, an extra month is added, known as Adhik Maas, that generally is one additional Amavasya.

Very few know what is the purpose, significance and the rules to be followed during Purushottam Maas. Mentioned below are some of the known facts & their importance explained in brief.

Importance

Many people on this day wake up early in the morning, worship Lakshmi-Narayana or Radha-Krishna, perform puja, read holy books and also keep vrat, where devotees consume vegetarian meals in the evening only. This is done so, is to wash away all the sins accumulated, devote to self-assessment, detoxify one’s body & mind and strengthen one’s mental, spiritual & physical terms.

Known as the ‘unclean month’, conducting auspicious occasions like marriages, moving into a new house or naming ceremony are considered very unfavorable. According to the Devi Bhagwat, performing charity, fasting, self-improvement, and praying in this month are believed to bring a good result.

Benefits

Those suffering from bad health, financial crises, etc are advised to keep a fast in the Mal month that is equal to performing 100 ‘homa’ or ‘yagyas’ that helps you to attain peace, delight and conquer your senses. Vrats can be completed by consuming fruits, liquids or by eating vegetarian food.

To get the blessings, begetting offsprings and prevent oneself from diseases or ailments many devotees keep vrat with devotion & zeal. Purshottam Grantha is the holy book of the Hindu tradition which the devotees read and recite the “Purushottam Mahatmey (Purana) believing to achieve dharma in this Maal month.

Measures to be taken

According to the Hindu Grantha, it is said that people who keep full or partial fast have to prohibit themselves from speaking lies, avoid non-vegetarian, keep oneself clean & pure, practice patience & attentively pray to God.