Adhika Shravana Masa – An Extra month for Extraordinary Devotion
PurePrayer offers Best Wishes for Adhika Shravana Masa, and presents an account of the Hindu Religious Practices that Bhagavadbhktas follow during this Auspicious Month.
Adhika Shraavana Masa, also known as Mala Maasa or Purushottam Maas, the intercalary month of Shravana, holds great spiritual and adhyathmic significance in Hinduism. It is a unique and auspicious month that occurs once every few years according to the Hindu lunar calendar. During this additional month, various religious rituals and practices are observed by devout Hindus, offering numerous benefits to their spiritual journey.
What Religious Practices For Adhika Shravana Masa?
The Adhika Masa is considered a divine blessing as it provides an extended opportunity for devotees to intensify their spiritual pursuits and deepen their ‘connect with divine’. It is believed that the celestial deities themselves grant their presence during this sacred month, making it an ideal time for individuals to engage in sincere devotion and seek spiritual growth.
Ganga Snaan Significance in Adhika Shravana Masa
One of the primary reasons for the spiritual significance of Shravana Adhika Masa is its association with Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in every droplet of the holy river Ganges during this month. Hence, taking part in rituals such as bathing in the Ganges, performing prayers, and engaging in acts of charity during this time is considered highly meritorious. The act of purification, both externally and internally, is emphasized during this period, leading to a sense of spiritual rejuvenation.
Devotees also engage in various forms of adhyathmic practices during the Adhika Masa. This includes recitation of sacred scriptures, chanting of mantras, meditation, and performing religious observances. Many individuals undertake vows of fasting and abstaining from certain indulgences as a means to discipline the mind and enhance spiritual focus. Such practices promote self-control, mental clarity, and help individuals transcend the materialistic world, paving the way for a deeper spiritual experience.
Did you know About Adhik Maas or Mala Maas?
Adhik Maas or Mala Maas is also called Purushottam maas. Doing any auspicious work is prohibited this month. Adhik Maas in the year 2023 is starting on 18 July 2023, and will end on 16 August 2023. There is no transit or solstice of the Sun in Adhik Maas, that is, there is no change in the sun sign in the whole month. As a result of this, Adhik Maas month is called Mal Maas.
As it occurs in Sravana masam during 2023, it is called Sravana Adhika Masam in Tamil.
Why Adhik Masa was Called Purushottam Mass?
According to the mythology, all the gods refused to become the master of this month due to being dirty. Then Mal Maas prayed to Lord Vishnu, who was pleased with the prayer of the month and gave His own name to this month. Lord Vishnu is called Purushottam. Lord Vishnu gave a boon to this month that any Bhagavadbhakta or a devotee who worships Shiva, does religious work, listens to Bhagvata Katha, donates, and does charity in this month, will get the never-ending virtue.
Benefits of Adhika Masa Practices
The benefits of observing Shravana Adhika Masa are manifold. It is believed that any spiritual activity performed during this Adhik Maas month can yield multifold results compared to the regular months. Devotees can seek the fulfilment of their desires, obtain blessings for their families, and experience spiritual progress at an accelerated pace. It is also considered a highly auspicious time for seeking forgiveness, rectifying past mistakes, and resolving conflicts, thereby fostering personal and interpersonal harmony.
Ritualistic practices During Adhika Masa
Ritualistic practices play a crucial role during Adhika Masa. Observing fasts on specific days dedicated to different deities, performing homas (sacred fire rituals), offering prayers, and participating in religious ceremonies are common rituals during this period.
Paying Homage to Ancestors in Adhik Maas
Devotees also pay homage to their ancestors through special rituals, honoring their memory and seeking their blessings. Charity and acts of service to the less fortunate are highly encouraged as they are believed to accumulate immense spiritual merit. These occasions offer devotees an opportunity to celebrate the divine and deepen their devotion through traditional rituals, elaborate prayers, and engaging in community festivities.
How Do Sumangalis celebrate Adhika Maasa in Karnataka? |
Devout Sumangalis, celebrate and practice the Adhika Maasa with daana which is called as Sumnagali Bagina (Kannada – ಸುಮಂಗಲಿ ಬಾಗಿನ / ಬಾಗಿಣ). This includes the Mangala Dravyas like Haridra-Kumkum, dry fruits like dates, almonds, raisins and sweet dishes called Atirasa (Kannada – ಅತಿರಸ). These are given away with the ‘compulsory or customary additionals’ of: a cloth piece (Blouse Piece), garlanded flowers, and a pair of coconuts. These sweets, fruits or items are prepared or packed in a specific number “33”, which has a religious significance. This Daan may be given away on any day of this Adhika Maasa. |
To sum it all, Shravana Adhika Masa holds immense spiritual and adhyathmic significance in the Hindu Sanatan Dharma practices. It is a sacred month filled with opportunities for devotees to intensify their spiritual practices, seek divine blessings, and accelerate their spiritual growth. By observing rituals, engaging in acts of devotion, and cultivating virtues, individuals can experience inner transformation and draw closer to the divine.
May this auspicious month bring blessings, peace, and enlightenment to all who observe it with reverence and devotion!
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