Adhika Masa {{masa}} Pournami 2026

Adhika Masa Pournami: The Full Moon of Purushottama Masa

An Adhika Masa is an extra lunar month that comes roughly once in two and a half to three years, and Adhika Masa Pournami is the full moon of that month's Shukla Paksha. Since the Adhika Masa is also called Purushottama Masa, worship of Lord Vishnu, the Satyanarayana Vratham and charity on this Pournami are believed to bring special merit.

What Is Adhika Masa?

Sankranti is the Sun's entry into a new rashi. Normally every lunar month contains one Sankranti. When a lunar month passes without any Sankranti, it is counted as Adhika (extra) and the month that follows is the Nija (regular) month. This adjustment keeps the lunar calendar in step with the solar year, so festivals stay in their proper seasons. The extra month takes the name of the month it precedes, such as Adhika Shravana or Adhika Jyeshtha.

The Story of Purushottama Masa

According to the Purushottama Masa Mahatmya, the extra month was at first shunned as Mala Masa because it had no presiding deity. Saddened, it sought refuge in Lord Vishnu, who gave it his own name, Purushottama, and promised that he himself would reward all japa, charity and worship done in this month.

Puja on This Pournami

• Bathe early in the morning; a holy river bath is considered very meritorious if possible.
• Worship Vishnu or Sri Krishna with tulasi leaves and yellow flowers and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam.
• Perform the Satyanarayana Vratham, listen to the katha and share the prasadam.
• In the evening, light lamps near the Tulasi kota and at the entrance, and offer arghya to the Moon.
• Give annadanam, clothes, a deepadanam or swayampakam (uncooked food provisions) to the needy or to Brahmins.

Rules and Good Practices

Auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, gruhapravesham and upanayanam are generally not held in Adhika Masa. It is, however, an excellent time for puja, vrathams, parayanam and charity. Fasting on this Pournami, eating sattvic food, and reading the Bhagavatam or Bhagavad Gita are recommended. Some families also give gifts to sons-in-law and daughters during Adhika Masa.

By the grace of Purushottama, may this Adhika Masa Pournami bring you abundant merit and joy.