Adhik Maas 2026 — Complete Purushottam Maas Guide
Quick Facts
- Adhik Maas 2026: Adhik Jyeshtha — May 17 – June 15, 2026
- Frequency: Approximately once every 3 years (lunar-solar calendar adjustment)
- Presiding deity: Bhagavan Vishnu (Purushottam) — Lord of this month
- Padmini Ekadashi: May 27 | Parama Ekadashi: Jun 11
- Forbidden: Marriage, Mundan, Griha Pravesh, new business launch
Why Does Adhik Maas Occur?
The Indian Panchang follows a Luni-Solar system. A lunar year is ~354 days while a solar year is 365 days. This 11-day gap is corrected every 2–3 years by inserting an extra month — called Adhik Maas (extra month), Malmaas (impure month), or Purushottam Maas (most auspicious month of Bhagavan Vishnu).
According to the Padma Purana, when this month had no presiding deity, Bhagavan Shri Hari Vishnu Himself adopted it and named it "Purushottam Maas." This is why Vishnu worship is especially meritorious during this month.
Ekadashis in Adhik Maas 2026
Per the Padma Purana, these two Ekadashis are held to give many times the merit of a regular Ekadashi.
Do's & Don'ts in Adhik Maas
✅ Do
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and listen to Bhagavat Katha
- Light a ghee lamp near Tulsi plant daily (Deepadaan)
- Donate food, clothes, and money — the shastras hold this especially meritorious
- Worship Bhagavan Vishnu with Tulsi leaves
- Observe fasts — especially on Ekadashi during Adhik Maas
- Listen to Puranas and attend Satsang
❌ Don't
- Marriage ceremonies — strictly forbidden
- Mundan, Janeu (Upanayana), Namakaran Samskaras
- Griha Pravesh (housewarming) and new property purchase
- Starting a new business venture
- Idol consecration (Dev Prana Pratishtha)
Adhik Maas Vishnu Puja Vidhi & Do's and Don'ts
The shastras hold that Vishnu puja, bhajan-kirtan and daan performed in Adhik Maas yield many times the merit of the same act in an ordinary month. A few additional guidelines follow.
✅ Additional Do
- Observe at least one Thursday (Guruvar) fast during the month
- Perform Satyanarayan vrat-katha puja
- Perform pitru-shraddha for ancestors
❌ Additional Don't
- Avoid buying a new vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Adhik Maas in 2026?
Adhik Maas 2026 is Adhik Jyeshtha, from 17 May to 15 June 2026. This extra (leap) lunar month returns about once every three years.
What should you do in Adhik Maas?
Worship Bhagavan Vishnu (Purushottam) — recite Vishnu Sahasranama, light a ghee lamp near Tulsi, fast on Ekadashi and give charity. Avoid marriages, mundan, griha pravesh and new ventures.
Which Ekadashis fall in Adhik Maas 2026?
Two — Padmini Ekadashi on 27 May and Parama Ekadashi on 11 June 2026. Both are observed only in an Adhik Maas.
Is the merit of Vishnu puja greater in Adhik Maas?
Yes — the shastras hold that Vishnu puja, bhajans and daan performed in Adhik Maas yield many times the merit of the same acts in an ordinary month, since the month is dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu as Purushottam.