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17 May to 15 June

n 2026, Adhika Masa, also known as Purushottam Maas, occurs from May 17 to June 15. By the time the Adhika masa occurs, the solar and lunar calendars offer a sacred period for devotion, charity, and spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

During the Adhika masa, festivals can be repeated but not celebrated. Often these months are used for spiritual initiations, but are not good for planning any events or Muhurta.

There are many fasts and rituals observed during Adhika Masa.

What is Adhika Masa?

Adhika means extra, and masa is a month. Adhika masa is an additional month that appears in the Hindu lunar calendar due to discrepancies between solar and lunar calendars. Although based purely on astronomical calculations, these months are regarded as very important for spiritual work. A list of karmas is given to avoid during this time, and fasts and donations are observed.

A year with an Adhika masa means it has 13 lunar months instead of the usual 12. The solar calendar has 365 days, but the lunar calendar has 354 days. This difference in the number of days over the years accounts for the additional month needed to keep the two calendars in sync. Generally, an Adhika masa occurs every 2 to 3 years (32 months, 16 days, and 8 Ghatis, to be precise). A Ghati is 24 minutes.

During the Adhika Masa, there is no Sankranti of the Sun.

By the time the Adhika masa occurs, the solar and lunar calendars are out of sync. As the Sun represents the soul and the Moon the mind, in an individual, their soul and mind can be working on different levels without connection. This can lead a person to feel imbalanced without realising why. In Jyotisha Vedic Astrology, the Sun and Moon are the lights that show us the divine path. So the Adhika masa becomes an ideal opportunity to realign ourselves to the divine plan, and this month should be a sacred period for devotion, charity, and spiritual practices. Traditionally, spiritual activities are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but you can also perform them for your personal deity.

Deities of Adhika Masa

The belief is that Aditya rises each month. Aditya is a form of Surya. But during an Adhika Masa, no Aditya is rising as there is no Sankranti of the Sun; therefore, it is considered genderless and infertile.

• Ekadashi Rudras (eleven Rudras)
• Adityas (twelve Adityas) – even though they do not rise during the month, they are given the rulership of the month.
• Ashta Vasus (eight Vasus)
• Daksha Prajapati
• Vashatkara

These deities give the month its name. According to their significations, the quality of the Adhika masa varies. They repeat themselves. In a century, there would be about 33 Adhika masa, so one deity will rule each of them.

Nirutti dominates during Adhika Masa

Rakshasa (Demon) Nirutti dominates the Adhika masa and destroys the fruits of all actions taken with a desire to get something in return. These actions are known as Kama karmas. Kama karmas are fasts and donations done with the hope of achieving a heart’s desire.

Karma and fasts to be avoided include marriage, yagya, the first pilgrimage, the child's first haircut, upanayana, Vaastu devata prayers, moving into a new house, etc.

Sadhana to do during Adhika Masa

To bring balance back to your life and cleanse your soul, many spiritual practices are recommended. It is a good idea to simplify your daily routine during the Adhika masa. Many practices are recommended; we may not be able to undertake all of them, but we can choose to include some of these in our daily routine. It is recommended to give charity and donations to good causes, practice karma yoga, chant mantras and japa, and fast and reflect inwardly.

What to avoid during Adhika Masa

This is not a month for achieving material aims, marriages, engagements, starting new projects, making investments, buying property or moving into new homes should be avoided.

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