Adhik Maas 2023: Everything you need to know about!

What is Adhik Maas?

In the Hindu lunar calendar, Adhik Maas holds a significant place as an intercalary month that occurs approximately once every three years. Also known as Purushottam Maas, the extra month carries unique spiritual significance and provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual practices. In this blog, we will explore the essence of Adhik Maas, its symbolism, and its significance in 2023.

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas is based on the cycles of the moon, while the solar calendar follows the cycles of the sun. However, these two calendars do not completely align, resulting in a gradual misalignment over time.

To rectify this misalignment, Adhik Maas is intercalated into the lunar calendar at specific intervals, usually once every three years. Inserting this additional month brings the lunar and solar calendars back into harmony. Adhik Maas is a corrective measure to ensure that religious festivals and observances align with the appropriate seasons and astronomical events.

What does Adhik Maas mean?

Adhik Maas, derived from the Sanskrit language, translates to “extra month.” The term signifies the inclusion of an additional lunar month beyond the usual twelve months in the Hindu calendar. It serves as a means to balance the misalignment between the lunar and solar calendars.

Furthermore, the term “Purushottam” is often used interchangeably with Adhik Maas. “Purushottam” translates to “the Supreme Divine Being” in Sanskrit. This association emphasizes the sacred nature of the extra month and highlights its significance in terms of spirituality and devotion.

Together, Adhik Maas and Purushottam represent the unique and auspicious times offered to devotees for deepening their spiritual practices, seeking divine blessings, and connecting with the divine essence. It is a period of introspection, growth, and reverence toward the Supreme Being.

When does Adhik Maas occur?

Adhik Maas, the intercalated month in the Hindu lunar calendar, occurs approximately once every three years. In 2023, Adhik Maas is anticipated to take place from 17th June to 16th July. This additional month is inserted to align the lunar and solar calendars and holds great spiritual significance for devotees. 

The convergence of Adhik Maas with the revered month of Shravan in 2023 is a rare occurrence as it is happening almost after two decades which is after 19 whole years. This adds even more significance to this alignment. It creates a unique and auspicious opportunity for devotees to deepen their connection with both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. 

The celestial vibrations during this period inspire devotees in fostering a profound sense of devotion and self-reflection. Adhik Maas 2023 is a special window of time for devotees to align with the cosmic rhythms and experience spiritual transformation.

The spiritual significance of Adhik Maas:

Adhik Maas holds great spiritual significance, allowing devotees to engage in practices for inner growth and connection with the divine. Rituals, fasting, charity, and recitation of sacred texts yield profound results, purifying thoughts and cultivating virtues deepening your connections with Lord Vishnu.

The heightened spiritual energies facilitate self-realization and spiritual elevation. Wearing Rudraksha beads in Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, amplifies spiritual benefits, fostering focus, meditation, and a divine connection. Rudraksha absorbs negative energies, and radiates sacred energy, offering protection, peace, and blessings, shielding against negativity. 

It strengthens devotion, symbolizing reverence and divine presence. Adorning these beads embarks one on a spiritual journey, experiencing growth and spiritual connection. Adhik Maas and Rudraksha in Shravan bring profound spiritual experiences, facilitating inner transformation and grace.

Significance of Adhik Maas in 2023:

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas in the Hindu calendar, holds immense significance in the lives of devotees. Occurring every three years, this period is believed to be infused with divine energy and blessings from Lord Vishnu.

In 2023, the importance of Adhik Maas is further magnified by the rare alignment of Shravan Mass and Purushottam Maas, a celestial occurrence that is taking place after a gap of 19 years. This convergence creates an exceptionally auspicious time for devotees to deepen their spiritual journey and strengthen their devotion towards both Lord Hari and Lord Hara.

The year 2023 presents a unique opportunity for devotees to seek spiritual excellence and experience a profound sense of devotion. The combined energies of Shravan Mass and Purushottam Maas intensify the spiritual vibrations, enabling devotees to establish a deeper connection with the divine.

The rare alignment of these celestial events in 2023 serves as a reminder of the eternal bond between the devotee and the divine, offering an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual elevation and experiencing the profound presence of Lord Hari and Lord Hara.

The iconography of Hari Har:

Lord Harihar is a divine manifestation representing the combined form of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara). This unique depiction symbolizes the unity and harmony between the two supreme deities in Hinduism. Lord Harihar embodies the qualities of both Vishnu and Shiva, representing the aspects of preservation and destruction, creation and dissolution.

As Harihar, the divine energy encompasses the divine attributes of love, compassion, power, and transcendence. Devotees revere Lord Harihar as the ultimate embodiment of cosmic balance and the inseparable nature of existence.

Worshipping Lord Harihar fosters a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the profound unity of diverse forces in the universe. It is an invitation to embrace the divine aspects of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and seek their blessings for spiritual growth, inner harmony, and enlightenment.

Conclusion:

Adhik Maas in 2023 provides an invaluable opportunity for spiritual seekers to engage in introspection, seek divine blessings, and deepen their connection with the holy. This additional month signifies a time of renewal, spiritual growth, and self-purification. By embracing the sacred practices associated with Adhik Maas, devotees can embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and upliftment.