What is Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas)
What Adhik Maas is
Adhik Maas is an extra lunar month added to the Hindu panchang about once every 32.5 months (roughly every third year). The lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year; this month is inserted to balance the difference so festivals stay in their seasons.
How it is determined
A lunar month in which the Sun makes no Sankranti (no move from one zodiac sign to the next) is called Adhik Maas. Conversely, a month with two Sankrantis is a Kshaya Maas, which is very rare.
Its name and significance
Lord Vishnu is said to have taken this neglected month as his own and named it "Purushottam Maas". It is also called Malmaas. Japa, daan, pilgrimage, listening to the Bhagavata and worship of Vishnu are held to carry special merit in this month.
What to avoid
Marriage, Griha Pravesh, Mundan, Namkaran, buying a new vehicle or property and other auspicious ceremonies are not performed in Adhik Maas. Daily puja, vrats and anything already in progress may continue.
⚠️ This information is based on traditional panchang calculations and is meant as general guidance. For important ceremonies such as marriage or Griha Pravesh, please confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit or acharya. Timings can shift slightly by city as sunrise and sunset differ.