Malmas: A Month of Spiritual Growth and Devotion

Malmas, also known as Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas, is a special month in the Hindu calendar that occurs once every three years. It is a month of extra lunar days that are added to align the solar and lunar calendars. It is considered to be a month of spiritual growth and devotion, as well as a month of charity and service. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, history and significance of Malmas, as well as the dos and don’ts during this period.

Meaning of Malmas

The word Malmas means “dirty month” or “inauspicious month” in Hindi. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Mala, which means impurity or filth. The reason behind this name is that Malmas is not associated with any of the regular 12 months or any of the zodiac signs. It is an intercalary month that is inserted between two regular months to adjust the gap between the solar and lunar years.

The solar year is about 365 days and 6 hours long, while the lunar year is about 354 days long. This creates a difference of about 11 days between the two calendars every year. Over a span of three years, this difference accumulates to about one month, which is added as Malmas or Adhik Maas. The occurrence of Malmas depends on the position of the Sun and the Moon in relation to each other.

Malmas is also known as Purushottam Maas, which means “the best or supreme month”. This name is given to honor Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Purushottam, the supreme being. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu accepted this month as his own when none of the other gods or goddesses wanted it. He declared that whoever worships him in this month will attain his blessings and grace.

History of Malmas

The concept of Malmas or Adhik Maas is based on the ancient Indian system of timekeeping known as Panchang or Hindu calendar. The Panchang is a lunisolar calendar that follows both the phases of the Moon and the movements of the Sun. It divides the year into 12 months based on the lunar cycles, and each month into 30 tithis or lunar days based on the waxing and waning of the Moon.

However, since the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by about 11 days, there is a need to synchronize the two calendars periodically. This is done by adding an extra month every three years or so, which is called Malmas or Adhik Maas. The first reference to this practice can be found in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. It mentions that there are 13 months in some years instead of 12.

The calculation of Malmas or Adhik Maas is based on a complex formula involving various astronomical factors such as sidereal time, ecliptic longitude, tropical year, synodic month, etc. However, a simple way to understand it is that whenever there is no Sankranti (the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another) in a lunar month, that month becomes Malmas or Adhik Maas.

Significance of Malmas

Malmas or Adhik Maas is considered to be a very auspicious and sacred month for Hindus. It is believed that this month is specially blessed by Lord Vishnu, who resides in it and grants his devotees their wishes. It is also said that this month has all the qualities and virtues of Lord Vishnu, who is known as Purushottam, the best among men.

Malmas or Adhik Maas is a month of spiritual growth and devotion. It is a time to focus on one’s inner self and connect with the divine. It is a time to perform various religious activities such as fasting, chanting, praying, meditating, reading scriptures, visiting temples, etc. It is also a time to perform acts of charity and service such as feeding the poor, helping the needy, donating clothes, etc.

Malmas or Adhik Maas is also a month of celebration and joy. It is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings and gifts that one has received from God. It is a time to enjoy various festivals and rituals such as Janmashtami (the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna), Radhashtami (the birth anniversary of Radha), Anant Chaturdashi (the day of honoring Lord Anant), etc.

Dos and Don’ts during Malmas

Malmas or Adhik Maas has some specific rules and guidelines for its observance. Some of the dos and don’ts during this month are:

• Do worship Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations such as Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, etc. in this month. Recite his names, mantras, stotras, etc. Offer him flowers, fruits, sweets, etc. Listen to his stories and glories. Sing his praises and bhajans.
• Do perform various types of fasts and vows in this month. You can fast on Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day), Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day), Pradosh (the 13th lunar day), Purnima (the full moon day), etc. You can also observe various vows such as Niyam Seva (following certain rules and regulations), Damodar Vrat (dedicating oneself to Lord Damodar or Krishna), etc.
• Do perform acts of charity and service in this month. You can feed the poor, help the needy, donate clothes, books, medicines, etc. You can also serve the cows, the brahmins, the saints, the elders, etc.
• Do read and study the sacred scriptures in this month. You can read the Bhagavad Gita, the Srimad Bhagavatam, the Vishnu Purana, the Ramayana, etc. You can also listen to discourses and lectures by learned scholars and teachers.
• Do visit holy places and temples in this month. You can visit places associated with Lord Vishnu such as Tirupati, Badrinath, Dwarka, Mathura, Vrindavan, etc. You can also visit places associated with his devotees such as Pandharpur, Puri, Ayodhya, etc.
• Don’t perform any auspicious or worldly activities in this month. Avoid ceremonies such as marriage, housewarming, ear piercing, hair cutting, etc. Avoid buying or selling property, vehicles, jewelry, etc. Avoid starting any new ventures or projects.
• Don’t indulge in any sinful or harmful activities in this month. Avoid eating meat, eggs, onion, garlic, etc. Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, gambling, etc. Avoid lying, cheating, stealing, hurting, etc.
• Don’t neglect your regular duties and responsibilities in this month. Fulfill your obligations towards your family, society, country, etc. Perform your daily chores and tasks with sincerity and dedication.

Conclusion

Malmas or Adhik Maas is a unique and special month in the Hindu calendar that offers a great opportunity for spiritual growth and devotion. It is a month of worshiping Lord Vishnu and his various forms and manifestations. It is a month of performing various religious activities and acts of charity and service. It is a month of celebrating various festivals and rituals and visiting various holy places and temples.

Malmas or Adhik Maas is a month of purifying one’s mind and heart and attaining the grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is a month of expressing gratitude and appreciation for all that one has received from God. It is a month of connecting with oneself, with nature and with the supreme reality.

Malmas or Adhik Maas is a month of joy and bliss for all those who observe it with faith and devotion.