Purushottam Maas: The Sacred Spiritual Journey of Ujjain

There are moments in the Hindu calendar believed to carry extraordinary spiritual energy, moments when devotion deepens, prayers become more powerful, and sacred journeys turn transformative. Purushottam Maas, also known as Adhik Maas, is one such divine period.

Observed once every few years, Purushottam Maas is considered one of the holiest months in Sanatan tradition. Dedicated entirely to devotion, charity, spiritual reflection, and pilgrimage, this sacred month holds immense significance for devotees across India. During this auspicious time, the ancient city of Ujjain, revered as Avantika and the abode of Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, becomes a centre of deep faith and spiritual awakening.

Understanding the Origin of Adhik Maas

In the Sanatani tradition, astrology forms the foundation of time calculation and the creation of the Panchang. The Panchang consists of five elements: Tithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yog, and Karan. According to Indian astrological traditions, a year is calculated in four ways: Chandr Varsh, Saur Varsh, Sawan Varsh, and Brihaspati Varsh. Based on these calculations, the annual Panchang is prepared.

During the calculation of the solar and lunar cycles, a difference of approximately eleven days arises every year. Over time, this difference accumulates into one additional month, known as Adhik Maas or Mal Maas.

Why Adhik Maas is Called Purushottam Maas

Every tithi and every month in the Hindu calendar is associated with a deity and carries its own spiritual significance. However, there was once a time when Adhik Maas had no presiding deity and no special importance. Known as Mal Maas, it was looked upon with neglect and considered inauspicious.

Distressed by this disregard, Mal Maas approached Lord Vishnu. Seeing its sorrow, Lord Vishnu compassionately advised the month to seek the blessings of Lord Shri Krishna in Gaulok. There, Lord Shri Krishna blessed the month and declared that just as He is the giver of virtues, auspiciousness, and spiritual fulfilment, the month too would possess these divine qualities. From that moment onwards, Adhik Maas came to be known as Purushottam Maas, with Lord Vishnu becoming its divine protector and presiding deity.

Although auspicious worldly ceremonies are avoided during this month, it is considered highly significant for devotion, charity, spiritual practices, and pilgrimage.

The Sacred Connection of Purushottam Maas with Ujjain

The spiritual importance of Ujjain during Purushottam Maas is deeply mentioned in the Skanda Purana, particularly in the Avanti Khand.

In the 71st chapter of the Avanti Khand, Lord Shri Krishna Himself says that one who leaves Avantika during Purushottam Maas is truly unfortunate, for this sacred region is immensely auspicious. It is believed that by staying in Avantika and undertaking the pilgrimage of Lord Vishnu Teerths during this month, devotees attain spiritual merit so great that it frees them from the cycle of rebirth and uplifts generations of their family.

Sacred Pilgrimages During Purushottam Maas

During Purushottam Maas, devotees undertake the sacred pilgrimages of the Nava Narayan Yatra, Sapt Sagar Yatra, and 84 Mahadev Yatra in Ujjain with deep faith and devotion. These pilgrimages hold immense spiritual importance during this sacred month and are mentioned in the Skanda Purana, particularly in the Avanti Khand.

Sacred Sapt Sagar of Ujjain

1. Rudra Sagar
   Located in front of Harsiddhi Temple. After taking a holy bath here, devotees traditionally donate salt, white clothes, a bull, or a silver Nandi, followed by darshan of Shri Mahakaleshwar and Maa Harsiddhi.
2. Pushkar Sagar
   Located in Naliya Bakhal. Devotees offer yellow clothes, turmeric, gram dal, jaggery and gram, gold, or Pukhraj gemstone after the sacred bath.
3. Kshir Sagar
   Located near Nai Sadak. It is believed that donating a vessel filled with kheer after bathing here brings spiritual merit.
4. Govardhan Sagar
   Located near Nikas Chouraha, opposite the Charitable Hospital. Devotees offer makhan, mishri, and wheat filled in bronze vessels after taking a holy bath.
5. Ratnakar Sagar
   Located at Undasa Talab on Maksi Road. After bathing here, devotees traditionally donate Panchratna, Solah Shringar items for women, and clothes for men, followed by darshan of the Saptarishis.
6. Vishnu Sagar
   Located on Ankpaat Marg near Shri Ram Janardan Temple. Traditions here include donating a gold idol of Lord Vishnu, aasana, Panchpatra, religious scriptures like the Gita, and clothes for Brahmins before seeking darshan of Janardan Ji.
7. Purushottam Sagar
   Located near Solah Sagar Ankpaat Darwaza, opposite Vyavneshwar Mahadev Temple in Indranagar. Devotees traditionally donate 33 Malpuas covered in bronze vessels after bathing here.
   

Nava Narayan Temples and Locations

1. Anant Narayan
2. Satyanarayan Mandir
3. Chaturbhuj Narayan Mandir
4. Lakshmi Narayan Temple
5. Badri Narayan Temple
6. Surya Narayan Temple
7. Adi Narayan Temple
8. Shesh Narayan Temple
9. Padma Narayan Temple

Visit Ujjain During Purushottam Maas 2026

The current Jyeshtha Purushottam Maas is being observed from 17 May 2026 to 15 June 2026. During this sacred period, the holy city of Ujjain becomes a centre of devotion where pilgrims from across the country and around the world arrive to seek blessings through the Nava Narayan Yatra, Sapt Sagar Yatra, and 84 Mahadev Yatra.

With special rituals, worship, charity, and spiritual practices associated with different tithis and sacred sites, Purushottam Maas offers a deeply divine experience in the spiritual land of Mahakal. Visit Ujjain during this auspicious month and immerse yourself in the timeless spiritual traditions of the Heart of Incredible India.