Adhik Maas 2010 : Rituals & Significance

Aacharya Ram Hari Sharma
 
The great culture of India always conveys the message of internalization of virtues. The significance of worship, fasting, charity, chanting of Mantras and austerity is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. Although there is utmost importance given to charity, virtues and hallelujahs etc in Vedic religion throughout the year, but it is icing on cake when these rituals are performed during “Adhik Maas”, one of the few special months. Vaishakh month has come with the virtues of Adhik Maas this year. It is also called Mal Mass, Purushottam Mass and Lod Mass. Vaishakh Month is from 15-4-2010 to 14-5-2010. 
 
According to Astrology:
 
असंक्रान्तिमासोअधिमासाः स्फुटः स्याद
द्विसंक्रान्तिमासः क्ष्याख्यः कदाचित
 
viz the month that does not carry Surya Sankranti is called Adhimass and the month carrying two Sankrantis is called Kshayamass. As per Astrological calculations, Adhimass comes after 32 months, 16 days and 4 ghatis and Kshayamaas first arrives after 141 years and then after 19 years.
 
All efforts with the intention of worldly gains are strictly prohibited during Adhikamass as mentioned in scriptures –“न कुर्यादधिके मासि काम्यं कर्म कदाचन.”
 
During this period, marriages, tonsures (mundan), inaugurations of new home, fasting with desire of some worldy gains, buying new ornaments and vehicles are prohibited.     
 
According to various Scriptures, procedure of the fast during Malmass is as follows:
 
1. According to Bhavishyaottar Puran, during all 60 days of Adhik Mass, from 15-4-2010 ( Shukla Pratipada of first Vaishakh Maas) to 15-5-2010 ( Amavasya of second vaishakh Maas), one should observe fast or take only one meal per day or donate something daily. If one is unable to observe fast for 30 days, then couple should take bath, remembering lord Vasudev, observe fast on any day; the idol of Laxmi Narayan should be installed on a Kalash and worshipped.    
 
2. According to Hemadri, one should worship Lord Sun everyday on the beginning of Adhik Mass. One should donate grain, ghee and molasses too. One should also make 33 “Puaas” of molasses (gud) and should keep these “puaas” on the container of bronze and should pray to lord Vishnnu to forbid ones all sins.
 
3. According to some scholars, one should also recite 15th chapter of Gita (Purushottam Yoga) during  Purushottam Mass.
 
4. There is also significance of circumambulation (Pradakshina) of Shri Giriraj Parvat situated at Braj Govardhan (Mathura).
 
 5. According to Pooja Pankaj Bhaskar, One should offer fresh flowers to deity and chant each mantra of Shri Sukta with various names of Lord Vishnu along with it as given below:
1. कूर्माय 2. सहस्त्र शीष्णे 3. देवायः 4. सह्स्त्राक्षपादाय  5. हरये 6. लक्ष्मीकान्ताय 7. सुरेश्वरायः 8. स्वयभुवे 9. अमिततेजसे 10. ब्रह्मप्रियाय 11. देवाय and 12. ब्रह्मगोत्राय. After reciting these names, one should also perform Arghya thrice.
 
According to Astrology, if a native belonging to a certain zodiac sign follows the do’s and don’ts as give below, one gets immense divine blessings and reaps infinite virtues (punya). However, make it a point not to do these things with any desire of worldly gains.
 
Natives of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius should recite “Aditya Hairdiya Strota” and should perform Arghya in honor of lord Sun.
 
Natives of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces should take holy dip into the Ganga and should worship lord Varun.
 
Natives of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius should worship lord Hanuman.
 
Natives of Scorpio, Virgo and Capricorn should meditate and chant mantras sitting on an ‘asana’ spread on earth.
 
It is now clear that all acts like worship, fasting, donating alms, austerity and holy bath etc. carry more blessings and well wishes and eliminate the sins of previous births.