Adhika masa

Adhika masa (Adhika-māsa) — an intercalary month in the Hindu lunar calendar, inserted roughly every 32-33 months (every 2-3 years) to reconcile the lunar and solar cycles. The name comes from the Sanskrit "adhika" — "extra," "additional"; it is also known as Mala masa ("impure month") — an old, disparaging name, in place of which ritual usage favours the more respectful Purushottama masa. It is a special month in which two extra ekadashis are added: Padmini in shukla paksha and Parama in krishna paksha.

Place in the system

The panchanga describes the state of the sky. The lunar year is shorter than the solar year by about 11 days. To reconcile them, Indian tradition inserts an extra month — the lunar month (from new moon to new moon) into which no Sankranti falls, meaning the Sun did not change sign for the whole month. An equivalent formulation: two new moons in a row fall in the same sign of the Sun.

In a year with an adhika masa there are 13 lunar months instead of 12, and so 26 ekadashis instead of 24. The month's second name, Purushottama masa, reflects its special status: worldly samskaras — weddings, upanayana, housewarmings — are traditionally not scheduled in it; the month is set aside for japa, dana, and scripture study.

Practical meaning

Adhika masa is a special period for spiritual practice. Tradition directly connects the extra month with a special opportunity for sadhana and charity.

The adhika masa background works through rarity. It is a time when the cycle gives an "extra month," and that extra measure can be used to deepen practice.

In Indian folk practice adhika masa is a time when devout Hindus fast, read scripture, and give charity with particular diligence. Fasting during adhika masa is held to be especially effective.

In daily practice

Adhika masa is a special window for spiritual work. If it is adhika masa now, this is a good period for extended practice.

Adhika masa also suits charity: a gift to those in need, support for teachers, offerings to temples.

Adhika masa also suits scripture study: reading the Bhagavatam, the Ramayana, or other texts in this month is held especially favourable.

How much your particular day within adhika masa is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Adhika masa sets a general background of special spiritual opportunity, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your life.

Further notes

Worldly matters postponed because of adhika masa are scheduled for the neighbouring, ordinary month. The month's two extra ekadashis — Padmini (in shukla paksha) and Parama (in krishna paksha) — are special days on which the fast is held especially effective.