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Adhik Maas 2026: Meaning, Dates & What to Do
July 18, 2026
Adhik Maas 2026, also known as Purushottam Maas or Mal Maas, was the sacred extra lunar month observed from 17 May 2026 to 15 June 2026 as Adhik Jyeshtha. This rare month appears once every two to three years to reconcile the Hindu lunar and solar calendars, and it is regarded as one of the most spiritually rewarding periods for devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Adhik Maas 2026 Dates and Key Days
Understanding the Adhik Maas 2026 timeline helps devotees appreciate this special month. Here are the key dates. As with all tithis, please confirm exact muhurats with a current panchang.
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adhik Maas (Adhik Jyeshtha) begins | 17 May 2026 |
| Padmini (Kamala) Ekadashi | 27 May 2026 |
| Purushottam / Adhik Jyeshtha Purnima | 31 May 2026 |
| Parama Ekadashi | 11 June 2026 |
| Adhik Jyeshtha Amavasya | 15 June 2026 |
| Adhik Maas ends | 15 June 2026 |
What Is Adhik Maas? The Meaning
The meaning of Adhik Maas is rooted in astronomy. The Hindu calendar follows both lunar months (about 354 days a year) and the solar year (about 365 days). To bridge this gap of roughly 11 days annually, an extra lunar month is inserted every 32.5 months or so. This intercalary month is called Adhik Maas — a month in which no Sankranti (solar transit) occurs.
Because it initially had no ruling deity, sages considered it inauspicious (Mal Maas). According to tradition, the month prayed to Lord Vishnu, who lovingly accepted it as his own and named it Purushottam Maas, declaring that spiritual practices performed during it would carry multiplied merit. This transformation is why the extra month is now revered rather than avoided.
What to Do During Adhik Maas
Adhik Maas is considered ideal for intensifying spiritual practice. Traditional recommendations include:
| Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| Vishnu Bhakti | Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and worship Lord Krishna |
| Satyanarayan Katha | Perform or listen to the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha |
| Daan (Charity) | Donate food, grains, clothing and offer deep-daan (lamps) |
| Fasting | Observe Ekadashi and other fasts for enhanced merit |
| Holy Baths & Pilgrimage | Take sacred dips and visit temples and tirthas |
| Japa & Reading | Read the Bhagavata Purana and perform mala japa |
To understand the deeper logic behind such observances, read our article on the science behind Hindu rituals and traditions. Keep a clean pooja thali ready for your daily worship during this month.
What to Avoid During Adhik Maas
Traditionally, auspicious worldly events (mangal karya) are paused during Adhik Maas. These include weddings, engagements, griha pravesh (housewarming), mundan, and starting major new ventures or purchases. Regular daily worship, festivals fixed by the solar calendar, and spiritual practices, however, continue as usual. For the full year of observances, refer to our Hindu festival calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Adhik Maas in 2026?
Adhik Maas 2026 was observed from 17 May 2026 to 15 June 2026 as Adhik Jyeshtha, the extra lunar month.
Why is Adhik Maas called Purushottam Maas?
Because it initially had no presiding deity, Lord Vishnu (Purushottam) accepted it as his own, blessing it so that spiritual practices done in it carry multiplied merit.
What should be done during Adhik Maas?
Devotees intensify Vishnu bhakti, recite the Satyanarayan Katha and Vishnu Sahasranama, fast, give charity, take holy baths and perform japa.
What should be avoided during Adhik Maas?
Auspicious worldly ceremonies such as weddings, griha pravesh, engagements and major new beginnings are traditionally postponed.
How often does Adhik Maas occur?
Adhik Maas occurs approximately once every 32.5 months (every two to three years) to align the lunar and solar calendars.
Make the most of the sacred Adhik Maas. Explore our handcrafted Pooja Thali collection to prepare a complete, sacred setup for your Vishnu worship, japa and daily rituals during this spiritually rewarding month.
