The year 2023 will witness a unique phenomenon in the Hindu calendar, as it will have thirteen months instead of the usual twelve. This additional month, known as Adhik Maas or the extra month, will extend the period of Sawan, a month dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The Sawan month will last for two months instead of the usual one, resulting in a total of two months of Sawan and a five-month duration of Chaturmas, which is traditionally a four-month period. The current year, according to the Hindi Panchang's Nal Samvatsar 2080, will consist of thirteen months, with Adhik Maas occurring once every three years.

According to Ujjain-based astrologer Pt. Manish Sharma, the occurrence of Adhik Maas in Sawan is a rare event that takes place after a gap of 19 years. The last time this happened was in 2004 when there were additional Sawan months. The special month of Sawan, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, will commence on July 4th, and Adhik Maas will be observed from July 18th to August 16th. The remaining month of Sawan will continue until August 31st. Notably, the zodiac sign of the Sun remains unchanged during this period.

No Changes in Sun Zodiacs

Adhik Maas, also known as Adhi Maas, Mal Maas, and Purushottam Maas, lacks the occurrence of Surya Sankranti, which is the transition of the Sun into a new zodiac sign. In this particular Adhik Maas, Kark Sankranti will commence on July 14th, marking the beginning of Sawan on July 18th. Adhik Maas will conclude on August 16th, followed by Singh Sankranti on August 17th.

During Chaturmas, a period in which saints engage in worship and devotion, they stay in one place and perform pious acts such as meditation, penance, and devotion. They refrain from traveling during this time, as it coincides with the monsoon season when rivers and drains are filled with water due to continuous rainfall. To protect small creatures from harm, as they may be trampled upon during travel, saints choose to remain stationary and carry out their religious practices.

What is Malmas?

The name "Malmas" is attributed to Adhik Maas because it is considered a "dirty" or inauspicious month. Auspicious activities like marriages, mundan ceremonies, and housewarmings are avoided during this time. Additionally, there are no Surya Sankranti events in this month. Consequently, rituals such as Namkaran (naming ceremony) and Yajnopavit (sacred thread ceremony) are also not performed in Malmas.\

What is Purushottam month?

The term "Purushottam month" derives from a popular legend surrounding Adhik Maas. Initially, no deity wished to preside over this month due to its inauspicious nature. However, Adhik Maas earnestly prayed to Lord Vishnu, who subsequently bestowed upon it the prestigious name "Purushottam," which means the best among men. Since then, this month has been known as Purushottam month. It is a time for engaging in auspicious deeds such as reading and listening to Bhagwat Katha (narrative of Lord Vishnu's exploits), reciting mantras, performing worship, conducting religious rituals, and participating in acts of charity.