Gandhinagar: Adhik Mahino, or Adhik maas, also called Purushottam month begins today in Gujarat as per the Vikram Samvat Hindu Gujarati calendar. Adhik Mahino is considered an opportunity for self-purification, restraint and service. The extra month (Purushottam month) starting today is considered a special day for religion, charity and worship.

According to astrologers, this month is also known as “Purushottam month” as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the merit of deeds done during this time increases manifold. The Hindu calendar is based on the movement of the moon and the sun. To compensate for the difference between the lunar year and the solar year, an extra month is added every 3 years, which is called the extra month.

Adhik Maas: The Scientific Wonder Behind the Hindu Calendar Begins From May 17

The Hindu calendar is not merely a collection of dates and festivals; it is a remarkable example of ancient Indian astronomical wisdom. The Adhik Maas (extra lunar month), beginning on May 17, 2026, stands as a striking demonstration of this scientific precision. Added periodically to maintain harmony between celestial cycles, the month reflects a deep understanding of astronomy and timekeeping.

Astronomy Behind Adhik Maas

The Hindu calendar is based on two natural cycles — the lunar year and the solar year.

A lunar year, calculated from one new moon to the next, consists of 12 months totaling around 354 days, with each lunar month averaging approximately 29.5 days. In contrast, the solar year, based on Earth’s revolution around the Sun, lasts about 365 days.

This creates an annual gap of nearly 11 days between the two systems. Without correction, Hindu festivals would gradually shift backward, moving by almost one month every three years. To restore balance, an additional month is inserted approximately every 32.5 months. This extra period is known as Adhik Maas.

The Role of Sankranti

The occurrence of Adhik Maas is closely linked to Sankranti, the Sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another.

According to the rule, if no Sankranti occurs during a lunar month, that month is declared Adhik Maas. In 2026, the Sun will not enter a new zodiac sign during Jyeshtha Maas, making it Adhik Jyeshtha.

Religious Significance of Purushottam Maas

Scriptures state that while every month had a presiding deity, Adhik Maas initially had none. According to tradition, Lord Vishnu granted his own name to the month, after which it became known as Purushottam Maas.

The month is considered highly auspicious for devotion, prayer, charity, penance, and chanting the Lord’s name. While ceremonies such as marriages and other major auspicious functions are generally avoided during this period, it is regarded as an ideal time for spiritual growth and self-reflection.

the extra lunar month initially had no presiding deity. It is said that Lord Vishnu bestowed his own title, Purushottam, upon it and granted a boon that acts of devotion, charity and spiritual practices performed during this period would yield rewards many times greater than usual. Hence, Adhik Maas came to be known as Purushottam Maas.

The additional month appears at an interval of approximately 32 months, 16 days and 8 hours to maintain balance between the lunar and solar calendars.

This year’s Jeth Maas follows a unique structure:

First 15 days: Regular Jeth
Next 30 days: Adhik Maas (extra month)
Final 15 days: Pure Jeth

The planetary ruler of Jeth month is believed to be Mars, while the extra month is spiritually dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Prohibited and Auspicious Activities

Jeth Adhik Maas is also popularly referred to as Malmas. Traditionally, major auspicious ceremonies such as marriages, housewarming rituals (Griha Pravesh), shaving ceremonies and beginning new professions or ventures are avoided during this period. DeshGujarat