22/07/2023
Purushottam (Adhik) Maas
Purushottam, or Adhik, Maas is the 13th month of the Lunar calendar, occurring once every 2-3 years. Due to the special nature of this month, Sanatanis are advised to live a devoted lifestyle and to avoid certain actions during Purushottam Maas.
As Sanatanis, we should always strive to perform actions which are in accordance with our Dharma. Unfortunately, at times we perform actions which are against both our Dharma and teachings, from which we do not benefit in this life or in the afterlife.
Shree Sanatan Dharm Brahman Purohit Sabha of Australia has found evidence on the nature of Purushottam Maas in the scriptures – Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu – which is presented here.
Nirnaya Sindhu and Dharma Sindhu indicate (see photo):
“Mal maas mein varjit karmon ko likha ki upakaram, aur utsarg, ashtak shraad, grhapravesh, mundan, maunjibandhan (janeu), vivah, teerath aadi yatra ki, vastu karma, ye sab varjit hain, itna hi nahin dev pratishta, koop, aaram aadi ka utsarg, naveen vastra alankaar ka dharan, tula pursh aadi mahadaan, yag karm, aadhan, apurva dev darshan, sanyaas, aur kaamya vrshotsarg, raja ka abhishek, vrat, aur jiski anye gati ho va anyapraashan, samaavartan, atikraant naamkaram aadi sanskaar, pavitraarupan, damanarpan, shravan karam, sarpvali aadi, paaksanstha, shayan aur Parivartan aadi Bhagwan ke utsav, shapat (saugandh) aur divye aadi karam, ye sab mal maas mein varjit hain.”
Nirnaya Sindhu and Dharma Sindhu indicate the following are to be avoided during Purushottam Maas:
• Any action which is not a regular action should be avoided, i.e. a new responsibility or task
• Maha Daan (charity), Yagya or Agnyadhaan (igniting of a ritual fire) should not be done without purpose
• Unprecedented pilgrimage, new gardens, ponds or mandirs for Devis and Devtas should not be established
• Yagyopaveet sanskaar (Janeu or thread ceremony), Choodakaran sanskaar (Mundan or tonsure ceremony), Naamkaran sanskaar (naming ceremony), Annapraashan Sanskar (first rice-eating ceremony) and Vivah sanskaar (wedding ceremony) are all prohibited
• Commencing construction of, or entering a new home are prohibited
• Acceptance of Sannyaas (renunciation of material desire and prejudice), e.g. by joining an ashram, is prohibited
• Coronation of a new ruler is prohibited
• Both beginning and ending of any role, ritual or action is forbidden
The following are permitted during Purushottam Maas:
• Regular actions, such as daily puja
• Yagya on Purnima tithi, for which you have previously taken a pledge
• Fasting and puja on Trayodashi tithi, which you have performed in the past
• Shraadh offered to ancestors on Amavasya tithi
• Funeral rituals
• Mantra repetition (jaap), etc. can be continued for your welfare
