Purushottam Maas has the deepest and the highest impact from amongst all the months in the Hindu calendar. Purushottam month is different from all the other 12 months. This is different from the months in each year because it does not come every year. It only comes only once in three years. The importance of this month is described very beautifully in the Puranas.

Why is Purushottam different from all 12 months?

Names of Hindi Months (Maas)

All of the above months occur every year, however, Purushottam month does not come every year. This month comes once in every three years to ensure equal distribution of time. It is only through this month that it is possible to compute time correctly.

Purushottam Maas Story

Purushottam Maas Katha has been described as very vividly in the Puranas. The study of the idea and story of Purushottam month tells us why this month is so special in itself. Purushottam Maas is called Mal Maas. It remained so for a long time. Being a Mal Maas, this month had no importance, no rights and so no one praised it.

Mal Maas was very worried about this situation. Due to his name, he was always subjected to ridicule. He was not governed by any specific Lord and hence his existence was ignored. However actually without Mala Maas, it would not be possible to calculate a year correctly. Without Mala Maas, the computation of time would be chaotic.

Unhappy with his disregard of this kind, Mala Maas gets irritated and seeks shelter under Shri Hari. Malmas shares his miser with Lord Vishnu. He expresses the pain he feels at being considered redundant. He also tells Lord Vishnu that he is condemned as he does not have a Lord governing him. Seeing Mal Maas saddened by all this, Shri Vishnu assures him that no one will condemn him from now on.

Bhaktavatsal Srivishnu decided to give Mal Maas a place in his world. He granted a boon to Mal Maas as per which he himself will be the Lord of Mal Maas. Mal Maas will have Lord Vishnu’s quality within him. Karunasindhu beautified Mala Maas with all his divine qualities. He named Mal Maas by his own name Purushottam and declared that from then on Mal Maas will be known by the name Purushottam only and will attain fame through this name. According to the boon given by God, Mal Maas started being called Purushottam month. The owner of this month is Shri Vishnu, so chanting Lord Vishnu’s name and worshiping Lord Vishnu at this time is considered very good.

Importance of worship in Purushottam month

Every three years when Purusottam month arrives Bhajans and prayers for the Lord are organised at various places. Any auspicious task done in this month brings results manifold. The period of Purushottama or Adhimas is said to be the best time for pursuing religious activities and good Karma.

The ritual of reciting the Bhagavata Katha at the time of Purushottam month is said to be the best. At this time, conducting Puja in the evening and lighting lamps is also considered very auspicious. A Ghee lamp should be regularly lit in front of Lord Vishnu throughout this month. One must recite Lord Vishnu’s name and relevant Mantras while lighting the lamp.

Other names for Purushottam Maas

Purushottam Maas has been given several names. This month is also called Adhimas and Mal Maas. Chanting, bathing, worshiping and donation done in the name of Lord Shri Vishnu in this rare Purushottam month will result in the attainment of many virtuous fruits. Each day of this month has special significance and gives results as per its significance. Ekadashi Amavasya and Purnima Tithi are amongst the most auspicious days of this month. Fasting on Ekadashi date for this month and listening to the story of Purushottam month gives auspicious results from Purushottam month.