4 Special Benefits of Purushottama Vrat/Adhika Maas
Introduction:
Purushottama Vrat, also known as Adhika Maas or the extra month, holds great significance in the Vaishnava calendar. This additional month, which occurs approximately every three years, is considered auspicious and offers devotees a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, devotion, and earning merit. In this article, we will explore the essence of Purushottama Vrat and its practices that bring devotees closer to divinity.
Understanding Adhika Maas:
In the Hindu lunar calendar, a typical year consists of 12 months, each spanning approximately 29.5 days. However, due to the misalignment between the lunar and solar calendars, an extra month is added periodically to ensure harmony. This additional month is referred to as Adhika Maas or Purushottama Maas. Adhika means “extra” or “additional,” and Maas denotes “month.” The month of Adhika Maas is considered sacred and offers exceptional spiritual opportunities for devotees.
Significance of Purushottama Vrat/Adhika Maas :
Purushottama Vrat is highly regarded as a period of intense devotion and spiritual practice. It is believed that the supreme Lord Krishna himself resides in this month, making it even more divine and auspicious. Devotees earnestly observe this sacred month to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Spiritual Practices during Purushottama Vrat:
- Fasting: Fasting is a common practice during Purushottama Vrat. Devotees may choose to fast on Ekadashi tithi.
- Daily Worship: Devotees engage in elaborate daily worship of Lord Vishnu, expressing their devotion and seeking his divine grace. Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama or Gopal Sahashranam.
- Chanting and Meditation: Devotees dedicate significant time to chanting mantras and meditating on the divine form of Lord Krishna. These practices help purify the mind, foster inner peace, and strengthen the connection with the divinity.
- Recitation of Devotional books: Devotees engage in studying and reciting Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita, etc., particularly those focused on the divine glories of Lord Krishna, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Chaitanya Bhagavat, and Ramayana. The recitation and contemplation of these scriptures deepen their understanding of spiritual principles and divine teachings.
Koudinya Muni used to chant this mantra regularly in Purushottam month.
Goverdhana Dharam vande Gopalang goporupinag
Gokulutsavanishanam Govinda gopika priyang.
Who lifted the Goverdhan Hill, that is Gopal, in the form of Gopa, the cowherd boy? Who is the master of the festival in Gokul Mahavan, Govinda who used to go for cow herding is the beloved of all the gopis (Radharani’s assistance).
Benefits and Merits:
Observing Purushottama Vrat is believed to bestow Shuddha Bhakti (Pure Devotion). Devotees engage in this practice to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, to purify their souls, and to accumulate merits for a prosperous future. It is considered a time of spiritual rejuvenation, where one can attain closeness with the divine and experience a transformative journey toward self-realization.
Conclusion:
Purushottama Vrat, the sacred month of devotion and merit, holds great importance in the Vaishnava tradition. It provides a unique opportunity for devotees to intensify their spiritual practice, deepen their connection with Lord Krishna, and earn merits through devotion, charity, and self-discipline. By observing the practices associated with Purushottama Vrat, devotees embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to inner peace, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. May this sacred month bring blessings and grace to all who wholeheartedly participate in its observance.
In spite of all types of procedures of sadhana, we should chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra wholeheartedly without offenses in
order to reach the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Radha Krishna.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
this is the original essence of every kind of Purushottama Vrat/Adhika Maas.
