Your wedding date is in June. Your new flat is ready. Your business inauguration is planned. And then someone mentions — "Adhika Maas starts May 17. Everything is postponed."
If that sentence just created anxiety, you are not alone. Every three years, the Hindu calendar adds a 13th month — and in 2026, that month falls right now, from May 17 to June 15. Known as Adhika Maas, Mal Maas, or the divine Purushottam Maas, this period creates a significant shift in how Hindu families plan celebrations, pujas, and spiritual life.
The critical thing to understand: this is not an inauspicious month. It is a differently auspicious month — one stripped of worldly celebrations and charged instead with extraordinary spiritual merit. If you know how to use it, Purushottam Maas 2026 is a rare gift.
What Is Adhika Maas — Why Does It Happen Every 3 Years?
The Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar — it follows the phases of the Moon for months, but aligns with the Sun for seasons. This creates a built-in gap: the lunar year has only 354 days, while the solar year has 365 days. Every year, the lunar calendar falls short by approximately 11 days.
After 3 years, those 11 days accumulate to roughly 33 days — nearly a full lunar month. If uncorrected, Hindu festivals would drift completely out of their seasons. Diwali would eventually fall in summer. Holi in winter. The entire ritual year would collapse.
To fix this, the Hindu Panchang inserts an extra lunar month approximately every 32.5 months. This corrective month is Adhika Maas — the "extra month." In 2026, it falls in the Jyeshtha month, creating a double Jyeshtha and making 2026 a 13-month year.
From Mal Maas to Purushottam Maas — The Divine Story
In ancient times, the extra month had no presiding deity. The 12 regular months each had a god; this month was left orphaned — called Mal Maas (impure month), avoided by all. In despair, the extra month went to Lord Vishnu, weeping: "I am abandoned. Give me purpose." Moved by compassion, Lord Vishnu embraced the month and declared: "This month shall bear my name — Purushottam Maas. I shall personally preside over it. Any act of devotion done in this month will yield spiritual rewards greater than a lifetime of regular worship." From that day, the month of no festivals became the month of infinite merit.
What Is BANNED During Adhika Maas 2026
Because Adhika Maas has no Surya Sankranti (Sun sign transition) within it, traditional Hindu Dharmashastra places it outside the normal muhurta cycle. Events requiring an auspicious worldly muhurta — all of the below — must be postponed until after June 15, 2026:
Strictly Avoid (Postpone After June 15)
- Vivah (Wedding) — all marriages, ceremonies, pheras
- Griha Pravesh — housewarming of any kind
- Sagai / Engagement — formal engagement ceremonies
- Mundan Sanskar — first head-shaving of a child
- Annaprashan — first solid-food ceremony of a baby
- Naamkaran — formal naming ceremony (non-urgent)
- Business / Shop Opening — new business inauguration
- Vaahan Puja — vehicle puja & inaugural drive
- Bhoomi Puja — foundation/ground-breaking ceremonies
- Yagyopavit / Upanayana — sacred thread ceremony
- Karnvedh — ear-piercing ceremony
- New investments in land, property, or major assets
Highly Auspicious — Do These Now
- Satyanarayan Puja — Lord Vishnu's most accessible puja
- Vishnu Sahasranama Path — 1,000 names of Vishnu
- Sundarkand Path — Hanuman-Rama devotion
- Bhagavad Gita Path — Chapter-by-chapter daily reading
- Shrimad Bhagwat Katha — 7-day recitation
- Pind-Daan & Shradh — ancestor rituals, especially on Amavasya
- Deep Daan — lighting oil lamps for Vishnu
- Gau Seva — cow worship and feeding
- Pilgrimage — Mathura, Vrindavan, Tirupati, Puri, Ayodhya
- Daan / Charity — feeding Brahmins, the poor, distributing food
- Tulsi Puja — daily worship of the Tulsi plant
- Vishnu / Krishna Naam Jaap — chanting, mala, japa
Emergency Exceptions — What Shastra Says
Certain life events cannot be postponed — urgent medical procedures, emergency travel, or unavoidable circumstances are not bound by the Adhika Maas restriction. For genuinely time-sensitive matters, consult your family Pandit. The restriction applies specifically to muhurta-based celebratory ceremonies that can reasonably be scheduled after June 15, 2026.
What Is Highly Auspicious — The 6 Key Pujas of Purushottam Maas
While the world of worldly celebrations goes quiet, the spiritual world comes fully alive. These six pujas are the heartbeat of Purushottam Maas — and each one yields dramatically amplified merit during this sacred period:
Satyanarayan Puja
The most popular Vishnu puja — performed at home with a Pandit, offering Panchamrit and Prasad while the Satyanarayan Katha is recited. During Purushottam Maas, this puja yields results equivalent to performing it continuously for an entire year. Every Monday, Purnima, or any day in this month is ideal for it.
Vishnu Sahasranama Path
The recitation of Lord Vishnu's 1,000 divine names — one of the most powerful spiritual practices in Sanatan Dharma. Even listening to the Sahasranama recited by a Pandit carries immense merit. In Purushottam Maas, one recitation is said to equal the merit of a year's regular practice. Can be done daily for the full 30 days.
Sundarkand Path
The 5th chapter of Valmiki Ramayana — Hanuman's journey to Lanka in devotion to Lord Rama. Sundarkand recitation is a direct prayer to Lord Vishnu through his avatar Rama. During Purushottam Maas, the Sundarkand path on Tuesdays and Saturdays is especially rewarding. Can be performed at home with or without a Pandit.
Pind-Daan & Shradh
Rituals for departed ancestors — offering rice balls (pind) and sesame water for the peace and liberation of souls. Scriptures state that pind-daan performed during Purushottam Maas — especially on Adhika Amavasya (June 15) and Purushottam Purnima (May 31) — reaches ancestors directly and grants them moksha. Critical for Pitru Dosha relief.
Deep Daan & Charity
Lighting oil lamps (diyas) before Lord Vishnu and the Tulsi plant each evening during Purushottam Maas is one of the simplest and most powerful acts of this month. The Padma Purana declares that a single diya lit in Purushottam Maas earns more merit than a full year of regular worship. Combined with food charity (Anna Daan) and Brahmin feeding, Deep Daan becomes a daily spiritual practice during these 30 days.
Pilgrimage & Parikrama
Visiting a Vishnu or Krishna temple — Mathura, Vrindavan, Tirupati, Puri, Ayodhya, or any local Vishnu shrine — during Purushottam Maas is considered the equivalent of visiting hundreds of times in a regular month. Mathura-Vrindavan especially fills with special kirtans, Bhagwat Kathas, and parikramas during Adhika Maas, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India.
Purushottam Maas 2026 — Day-Wise Puja Calendar (May 17 – June 15)
Use this calendar to plan your daily puja, fasts, and special observances during Adhika Maas 2026. Power days and Ekadashi dates are highlighted:
| Date | Tithi / Paksha | Puja / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| May 17Sunday | Pratipada, Krishna Paksha begins | Adhika Maas Begins — Begin Vishnu Sahasranama, light first diya, take Sankalp for 30-day vrat Start |
| May 18Monday | Dwitiya, Krishna Paksha | Satyanarayan Puja — Monday is ideal for Vishnu. Begin daily Tulsi Puja. |
| May 19Tuesday | Tritiya, Krishna Paksha | Sundarkand Path — Tuesdays & Saturdays most auspicious for Sundarkand. |
| May 22Friday | Shashthi, Krishna Paksha | Vishnu Sahasranama & Deep Daan. Lakshmi Puja on Fridays. |
| May 23Saturday | Saptami, Krishna Paksha | Sundarkand Path. Saturday Shani Puja optional alongside Vishnu worship. |
| May 27Wednesday | Ekadashi, Krishna Paksha | Adhika Ekadashi (Padmini Ekadashi) — Fast mandatory for Vishnu devotees. Vishnu Sahasranama, night vigil. Ekadashi |
| May 28Thursday | Dwadashi, Krishna Paksha | Ekadashi Parana (fast break before sunrise). Satyanarayan Puja auspicious. |
| May 30Saturday | Chaturdashi, Krishna Paksha | Masik Shivratri — Lord Shiva is worshipped alongside Vishnu. Sundarkand Path. |
| May 31Sunday | Purnima — Full Moon | Purushottam Purnima — Most powerful day of the entire month. Ganga snan, Vishnu Sahasranama, Deep Daan, Pind-Daan, parikrama. Mantra Siddhi is fastest on this day. Purushottam Purnima |
| Jun 1Monday | Pratipada, Shukla Paksha begins | Satyanarayan Puja — Shukla Paksha begins. Monday Vishnu puja. Begin 15-day Shukla Paksha fasting. |
| Jun 3Wednesday | Tritiya, Shukla Paksha | Vishnu Sahasranama. Begin Bhagwat Katha arrangements if planned. |
| Jun 7Sunday | Saptami, Shukla Paksha | Surya Puja alongside Vishnu worship. Gau Seva & Anna Daan. |
| Jun 9Tuesday | Navami, Shukla Paksha | Sundarkand Path (Tuesdays ideal). Ram Navami spirit — Rama-Vishnu worship. |
| Jun 11Thursday | Ekadashi, Shukla Paksha | Adhika Ekadashi (Paramaa Ekadashi) — Second Ekadashi of Adhika Maas. Most powerful Ekadashi of the month. Mandatory fast, night vigil, Vishnu Sahasranama. Ekadashi |
| Jun 12Friday | Dwadashi, Shukla Paksha | Ekadashi Parana. Satyanarayan Puja — final Friday before Adhika Maas ends. |
| Jun 13Saturday | Trayodashi, Shukla Paksha | Masik Shivratri falls today (Chaturdashi). Vishnu-Shiva combined worship. Sundarkand. |
| Jun 15Monday | Amavasya | Adhika Amavasya — Adhika Maas Ends. Most powerful day for pind-daan & shradh. Tarpan for ancestors. Deep Daan. Vishnu Sahasranama one final time. Month concludes at sunset. Adhika Amavasya |
Two Critical Dates to Mark Right Now
May 31 — Purushottam Purnima: The single most powerful day of the entire month for Vishnu Sahasranama, mantra siddhi, Deep Daan, pind-daan, and Satyanarayan Puja. June 15 — Adhika Amavasya: The most powerful day for pind-daan, shradh, and ancestor tarpan of the entire Adhika Maas. Do not miss either date.
How to Book a Pandit for Satyanarayan Puja at Home — Step by Step
Satyanarayan Puja is the most performed puja during Adhika Maas — and demand for verified Pandits spikes sharply through May and June. Here is how to book through Puja Purohit and have everything perfectly arranged:
Book Your Pandit Online or via App
Visit pujapurohit.in or open the Puja Purohit app. Select "Satyanarayan Puja", enter your city and your preferred date within the May 17–June 15 window. Any day is auspicious — Mondays, Ekadashi, Purnima, and Purushottam Purnima (May 31) are the most powerful choices. A verified Pandit is assigned within 30 minutes with WhatsApp confirmation.
Receive Your Complete Samagri List
48 hours before your puja, your assigned Pandit sends you the complete Satyanarayan Puja samagri list via WhatsApp — including exact quantities. Most items are available at any local kirana store or pooja samagri shop. The Pandit carries the specialized samagri and the Satyanarayan Katha book.
Prepare Your Puja Space
Clean the puja room or dedicated space the previous evening. Lay a fresh yellow or white cloth on the puja table. Place the idol or framed image of Lord Vishnu / Satyanarayana facing east. Keep a Kalasha with water and mango leaves ready. Ensure incense, camphor, and diyas are within reach. The Pandit will arrange the full puja altar upon arrival.
The Puja — What to Expect
The Satyanarayan Puja takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It includes Ganesh Puja, Sankalp, Navagraha invocation, Satyanarayan Panchamrit Abhishek, the recitation of all 5 chapters of the Satyanarayan Katha, and the final aarti. Prasad (typically semolina sheera / rava sheera) is prepared by the family alongside the puja and distributed to all participants after completion.
Prasad Distribution & Seeking Blessings
After the puja, the Prasad is distributed first to the Pandit, then to all family members and guests. The Pandit gives Ashirvachanam (blessing recitation) and may recommend additional remedies — specific Vishnu mantras to chant daily through Adhika Maas, Deep Daan at specific hours, or charity to be given in Vishnu's name. This guidance is included with your booking.
Satyanarayan Puja Samagri List for Adhika Maas
Your Pandit will carry the katha book and specialized items. Arrange the following at home before the puja:
Why Satyanarayan Puja Demand Spikes in Adhika Maas
Multiplied Spiritual Merit
Every Vishnu puja in Purushottam Maas yields rewards equivalent to performing it year-round. Families who know this don't miss the opportunity.
30 Uninterrupted Days
With no weddings or social obligations in Adhika Maas, families have free time to focus on spiritual practices they defer all year. Pandits are booked out quickly.
Pitru Dosha Relief
Families with Pitru Dosha (ancestral karma afflictions) use Adhika Maas — especially Amavasya — for pind-daan and tarpan, which is believed to permanently relieve the dosha.
Mandatory Vishnu Month
Purushottam Maas belongs entirely to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu devotees and those seeking marital harmony, prosperity, or health treat this as their most important puja month.
Family Fulfilment of Vows
Many families make a Sankalp at the start of Adhika Maas to perform Satyanarayan Puja every Monday or weekly. This structured devotion creates powerful family spiritual momentum.
Word of Mouth Demand
As awareness of Adhika Maas significance grows, Pandits in major cities get booked 2–3 weeks in advance. Booking early through Puja Purohit guarantees your preferred date.
Frequently Asked Questions — Adhika Maas / Purushottam Maas 2026
What are the exact Adhika Maas 2026 dates?
May 17, 2026 (Sunday) to June 15, 2026 (Monday) as per most North Indian, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu Panchangs. In 2026, Adhika Maas falls in the Jyeshtha month, creating a double Jyeshtha — making 2026 a 13-month Hindu year.
Why exactly does Adhika Maas occur every 3 years?
The solar year has 365 days. The lunar year has 354 days. The gap is 11 days per year. After three years, 11 extra days per year add up to 33 days — close to a full lunar month. To fix this, the Hindu calendar adds one extra month. Without it, Hindu festivals would drift completely out of their seasons.
Can I perform Satyanarayan Puja during Adhika Maas?
Yes — and you should. Satyanarayan Puja is a Vishnu puja, and Adhika Maas is entirely dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna bhakti, naam jaap, vrat, daan, and devotional worship. Any Vishnu puja performed during this month is amplified in merit. Every Monday and Ekadashi within this period is especially powerful for Satyanarayan Puja.
What is Purushottam Purnima and why is it the most important day?
Purushottam Purnima falls on May 31, 2026 (Sunday). It is considered the most powerful day in the entire Adhik Maas phase since the spiritual power of Vishnu Tattva is at its highest. Practising Jaap or sadhna on Purushottam Purnima is considered ideal to achieve faster success and clarity of thoughts. Pind-daan, Deep Daan, Ganga snan, and Satyanarayan Puja are all especially recommended on this date.
My wedding was planned for June. What should I do?
Weddings, engagements, and any marriage-related rituals should be postponed until after June 15, 2026, as the month's energy supports detachment from material pursuits. If your wedding is already under contract or the venue is fixed, consult your family Pandit about emergency mitigation rituals (Vishnu puja + Navagraha shanti) that may be performed. Post-June 15, several excellent muhurats open up immediately for weddings in the Ashadha month.
Is Griha Pravesh completely banned or just not recommended?
In traditional Dharmashastra, Griha Pravesh during Adhika Maas is prohibited — not merely discouraged. The month has no Surya Sankranti, placing it outside the valid muhurta cycle for worldly ceremonies. Moving into a new home before June 15 without performing Griha Pravesh is acceptable if absolutely necessary; the Griha Pravesh ceremony itself should be scheduled after June 15 when a proper muhurta becomes available. Puja Purohit's Pandits can advise on the ideal post-Adhika Maas Griha Pravesh muhurat for your city.
Is pind-daan on Adhika Amavasya (June 15) more effective than regular Amavasya?
Yes — significantly. May 31 (Adhika Purnima) and June 15 (Adhika Amavasya) are considered the most auspicious days for charity work and parikrama. Ancient texts state that pind-daan performed on Adhika Amavasya carries multiplied merit — the departed soul receives the offering directly and is believed to be granted peace or liberation. It is one of the most powerful pind-daan days of any year.
How do I book a Pandit for Satyanarayan Puja during Adhika Maas?
Visit www.pujapurohit.in/puja-service/pandit-for-satyanarayan-katha or open the Puja Purohit app, select your city and a date between May 17–June 15. A verified Pandit is assigned within 30 minutes with WhatsApp confirmation and complete samagri list. Book early — demand spikes significantly during Purushottam Maas.
