Adhika Maas 2026

Adhika Jyeshtha Maas 2026

Once every 2 or 3 years, the lunar calendar gets an extra month. This sacred extra month is called Adhika Maas. It is also popularly known as Mala Maas and Purushottama Maas.

In 2026, the extra month falls during Jyeshtha Maas. Because of this, there will be two Jyeshtha months this year:

• Adhika Jyeshtha – the extra month
• Nija Jyeshtha – the regular or actual Jyeshtha month

Adhika Jyeshtha Maas 2026 Dates (UK Timezone)

• Starts: 17 May 2026
• Ends: 14 June 2026
• Nija Jyeshtha Begins: 15 June 2026

Who Follows Adhika Maas?

Adhika Maas mainly applies to people following lunar panchangam traditions. Those following solar calendars such as:

• Tamil Calendar
• Malayalam Calendar
• Bengali Calendar

do not observe Adhika Maas in the same way.

One of the most common mistakes people make is mixing lunar and solar calendar systems.

What Should Be Avoided During Adhika Maas?

Traditional dharma shastra texts advise avoiding major auspicious ceremonies during Mala Maas.

मलमासे न कर्तव्यो विवाहः पुंसवनं तथा।
व्रतबन्धो गृहारम्भो नाम्नां स्थापनमेव च॥

Ceremonies Generally Avoided

• Marriage
• Pumsavanam
• Upanayanam
• Gruhapravesham
• Bhoomi Puja
• Major new beginnings and samskaras

However, spiritually this month is considered extremely sacred for devotion, prayer, charity, and Vishnu worship.

Why Is Adhika Maas Called Purushottama Maas?

According to the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu Himself accepted this month and blessed it with His divine name.

अहमेवाधिपो जातः संक्रान्तिवर्जितस्य च।
मासोऽयं मम नाम्ना तु पुरुषोत्तम इति स्मृतः॥

Meaning

Lord Vishnu says:

“I have become the Lord of this month which has no solar transition (Sankranti). Therefore, this month shall be known everywhere by My own name — Purushottama Maas.”

Spiritual Importance of Purushottama Maas

The Skanda Purana explains the immense spiritual value of this sacred month.

Sanskrit Sloka

यत्किञ्चित्कुरुते धर्मं पुण्योद्देशेन मानवः।
पुरुषोत्तममासाद्य तदुक्तं कोटिकोशकृत्॥

Meaning

Any spiritual activity, charity, prayer, or dharmic action performed during Purushottama Maas gives greatly multiplied spiritual merit compared to ordinary times.

Recommended Spiritual Practices During Adhika Maas

This month is considered ideal for:

• Vishnu Nama Japa
• Bhagavad Gita Parayanam
• Vishnu Sahasranama chanting
• Charity and Annadanam
• Fasting and simple living
• Extra prayer and self-reflection
• Reading Puranas and devotional texts

Shradh Rules During Adhika Maas 2026

Varshika Shradh (also called Abdika or yearly Shradh) is generally performed during the regular month and not during the extra Adhika Maas.

If the tithi falls between 17 May and 14 June 2026, it is usually postponed and performed during Nija Jyeshtha, which begins from 15 June 2026.

Traditions may vary slightly depending on sampradaya and family customs, so consulting your family priest or acharya is always recommended.