Adhika Masam in 2026 - What is Adhika Masam? Meaning, Significance, Scientific Reason and Spiritual Benefits

What is Adhika Masam?

The word Adhika means 'extra' or 'additional' and the word Masam means 'month'. Adhika Masam literally means an extra month which is added in a Hindu lunar calendar approx once in every 2 - 3 years. The lunar calendar with Adhika Masam has 13 Hindu months in a year than the usual 12 months. This additional month is inserted in a lunar calendar to synchronise it with the Gregorian (and also solar) calendar.

Adhika Masam at a Glance:

An unique blend of mathematical and astronomical calculations and spirituality
An extra month added approx. once in every 2-3 years, in the lunar calendar.
Maintains synchronisation of lunar and Gregorian (also solar) calendars.
Also known as Purushottama Masa or Mala Masa.
Dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu.
Best for doing prayers, giving charity, fasting, and for spiritual practices.
Important ceremonies like marriages are avoided.
Represents a unique blend of astronomy and spirituality.

Adhika Masam is not just an adjustment of months to synchronise calenders but it is highly sacred for devotees. This extra month is dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu and is regarded as highly beneficial for prayers, charity, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.

There was Adhika Sravanam in 2023 from 18th July 2023 to 16th August 2023. And Nija Sravanam began from 17th Aug 2023.

Adhika Masam Dates in 2026

In 2026 there is Adhika Jyeshtha Masam from 17th May 2026 to 14th June 2026.
Nija Jyeshtha Masam starts from 16th June 2026 till 13th July 2026.

Which States Observe Adhika Masam?

Andrha Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat follow lunar calendar and hence observe Adhika Masam.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu follow solar calendar systems and therefore do not generally observe Adhika Masam.

Astro-scientific Reason behind the Occurrance of Adhika Masam

The concept of Adhika Masam is based on astronomical and mathematical calculations. Ancient Hindu astronomers developed a remarkably accurate system to keep the lunar and solar calendars aligned.

The Hindu Lunar Calendar

Primarly based on the movement of the Moon.
A lunar cycle / month is determined by the Moon's phases.
A lunar month (from one New / Amavasya to the next) has approx. 29.5 Earth days.
A new month starts approx after every 29.5 Earth days i.e. after Amavasya.
A new month starts earlier than the corresponding month in the solar calendar.
12 lunar months together make about 354 days.

Solar / Greogrian Calendar

Primarily based on Earth's revolution around the Sun.
A solar year contains approx 365 Earth days (12 months).

Also Read: What is Moodhami or Moodham: Moodhami Dates 2026

Scientific Reason Behind Adhika Masam

A lunar year has approx 354 Earth days whereas a solar year has approx 365 days. This creates a difference of approx 11 days every year between these two calenders. Over time, this difference accumulates and causes the lunar months and festivals to drift away from their respective seasons.

This difference of approx 11 days roughly becomes one lunar month after nearly three years. Instead of allowing festivals to gradually shift through the seasons, the Hindu calendar makers insert an extra month, thereby restoring synchronization between the lunar and solar calender systems.

Synchronising the Lunar and Solar Calendars

Normally, the Sun enters a new zodiac sign (Rasi) once every month. This transition is called Sankramanam / Sankranti or Surya Sankranti. Accordingly, there are 12 Surya Sankrantis corresponding to each of the 12 raasis.

Normally, each lunar month contains a Sankranti. Occasionally, once in 2 - 3 years, a complete lunar month passes without any Sankranti occurring.

When this happens, the lunar month without Sankranti is designated as an Adhika Masam. Thus, an additional month is inserted in the lunar calendar synchronising it with the solar calculations.

In simple terms:

A lunar month that has no Sankranti becomes an Adhika Masam.
The following month becomes the Nija (regular) month of the same name.
For example, this year (2026) Adhika Jyestham followed by Nija Jyestham

This unique method of astronomical adjustment and synchronisation has been followed in the Hindu Panchangam for centuries which demonstrates the remarkable accuracy of ancient Hindu calendrical science and scientists.

Different Names of Adhika Masam

Purushottama Masa, Adhik Maas, Mala Maas, Kala Mahina, Adhik Mahina.

Why is Adhika Masa Called Purushottama Masa?

According to Hindu scriptures, the extra month was initially considered inauspicious because it did not have a Sankranti and also no presiding deity.

The month approached Sri Maha Vishnu, the Preserver, seeking protection and recognition. Sri Maha vishnu blessed the month and declared it as Purushottama, which is one of His names. Thus, the month is dedicated to Purushottama.

Thus, Adhika Masa is also known as Purushottama Masa. And it is considered the best time for self-realisation and spiritual elevation. As ceremonies and functions are avoided in this month, people cannot spend time and money on material / worldly pursuits but focus on spiritual growth.

What to DO During Adhika Masam

It is an ideal month for performing religious / spiritual activities, focus on inner purification and righteous living.

Worship Sri Maha Vishnu
Involve in charitable activities
Observe fasting depending on health conditions.
Spend time in spiritual activities
Go to the nearby goshalas and feed gomatas
Visit nearby Vishnu temples
Follow Dharma

Also Read: Vishnu Temples

What to Avoid During Adhika Masam

Normally religious festivals are not celebrated in Adhika Masam but these are celebrated in the Nija masam.
Major ceremonies / celebratory functions like marriages, grihapravesam, upanayanam etc are avoided during Adhika Masam.

Different regions of the country follow different cultures and traditions in their own way which enriches our cultural heritage.

Upcoming Adhika Masam Years

2023 - Ahika Sravanam
2026 - Adhika Jyestham
2029 - Adhika Chaitram
2031 - Adhika Bhadrapadam
2034 - Adhika Aashadam
2037 - Adhika Jyestam
2039 - Adhika Aswayujam
2042 - Adhika Sravanam
2045 - Adhika Jyestham
2048 - Adhika Chaitram
2050 - Adhika Bhadrapadam
2053 - Adhika Aashadam
2056 - Adhika Vaisakham
2058 - Adhika Aswayujam
2061 - Adhika Sravanam
2064 - Adhika Jyestham
2067 - Adhika Chaitram
2069 - Adhika Sravanam

Reference (courtesy) for the above years and akdhika masam - Hindupad.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often does Adhika Masam occur?
A. Approx. once in every 2 - 3 years.

2. How many Adhika Masas occur in a year?
A. Only one Adhika Masa occurs approx. once in every 2 - 3.

3. Why are there 13 months in some Hindu years?
A. Because an additional month is added in those years to synchronize the lunar and solar (Gregorian) calendars.

4. Is Adhika Masam Inauspicious?
A. No, Adhika Masam is not inauspicious. It is a misconceptions.

5. Is Adhika Masa auspicious? A. It is auspicious for performing spiritual activities. But traditional ceremonies like marriages and Gruhapravesam are avoided.

6. Which God is worshipped during Adhika Masam?
A. Sri Maha Vishnu.

7. Is fasting important during Adhika Masa?
A. Yes, but not compulsory if one has health issues. Focusing mind on Sri Maha Vishnu is more important than fasting.

Conclusion

Adhika Masam is an interesting blend of astronomy, mathematics, and spirituality. It is mainly focused to maintain harmony between the lunar and solar (Gregorian) calendars. This extra month demonstrates the remarkable precision of the Hindu solar / lunar calendrical system.

Adhika Masam is revered to Sri Maha Vishnu and is known as Purushottama Masa. It is a unique and spiritually significant period encourages devotees to slow down, engage in prayer, perform acts of charity, study sacred scriptures, and focus on inner growth. As ceremonies are avoided in this month, it focuses on strengthening spiritual connection than focusing on material pursuits.

Adhika masam stands as a unique and meaningful feature of Hindu months and tradition, be it from a scientific perspective or spiritual

ॐ Insights into Hinduism by Sobha Kalyani

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