The glories of Purushottama Month

Once in every three years, the sacred period of Purushottama Masa graces the lunar calendar. It is a unique time, renowned as the most favourable for spiritual upliftment .

Purushottama Masa, often referred to as ‘mala masa’ or ‘dirty month’, holds a peculiar position in spiritual observances. Those focused on karma-kanda or the fruitive results of their worship, find no material gains during this month, hence the term ‘mala masa’. But for devotees of Lord Krishna, it is this very aspect that makes the month special. The term ‘mala masa’ takes on a deeper spiritual meaning, signifying the power of the month to cleanse the soul, to remove the dirt and contamination caused by past sins.

Krishna devotees call it ‘adhika masa’ or ‘extra month’, owing to the spiritual abundance it offers. It is believed that Krishna has imbued this month with all His potencies, mercy, and blessings, promising enhanced rewards for all devotional acts. Notably, it is only the devotion to Krishna, Krishna-bhakti, that yields spiritual fruits during this exceptional period.

Among all months, Purushottama Masa holds a special place in Krishna’s heart. This sentiment echoes in the Bhagavad Gita when Krishna asserts, “because I am the greatest, I am celebrated both in the world and in the Vedas as that Supreme Person (Purushottama).” (BG 15.18). This sanctity is reflected in the name of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, who is also known as Purushottama. The abode of Lord Jagannath, Puri, is revered as Purushottama-Dhama.

Glories of Purushottama Masa in Vedic Scriptures

The scriptures of Padma Purana and Skanda Purana venerate the Purushottama month and emphasize its spiritual virtues:

1. Lord Sri Krishna, confirms that the Purushottama month carries all His blessings. Observing the Purushottama vrata (vow) during this month can absolve past sinful actions and pave the way towards pure devotional service. It holds a value greater than all other austerities and religious activities mentioned in the Vedas. Faithful observers are promised a return to His divine abode, Goloka, at the end of their lives.
2. Sage Durvasa Muni extols the sanctifying power of the Purushottama month. He asserts that just by bathing in a holy river during this month, one can cleanse all sins. Giving charity, chanting the holy name of Krishna, and performing pious acts during this period can lead to the fulfillment of desires and attainment of perfection.
3. Valmiki Muni underlines the benefits of observing the Purushottama vrata, equating it to performing one hundred horse sacrifices. According to him, all holy places reside within the body of a devotee who observes the Purushottama vrata.
4. Narada Muni proclaims that the Purushottama month is superior to all other months, vratas, and austerities. By hearing the glories of Purushottama month and observing the Purushottama vrata, one can immediately nullify his sinful reactions and achieve Krishna-bhakti.
5. The sages of Naimisaranya collectively hail the Purushottama month as a transcendental desire tree that fulfills a devotee’s spiritual desires.

The Purushottam month is celebrated all over the universe by devotees, sages, demigods, and even Lakshmi Devi herself. It offers a unique opportunity to devotees to make significant spiritual advancements as Lord Krishna overlooks all aparadhas or offenses during this period.

By sincerely worshipping Radharani and Krishna in Purushottama month, devotees can accumulate all pious credits and virtues, burn up the reactions of all their past bad karmas, and attain the direct service of Srimati Radharani and Krishna. It is indeed a divine opportunity to elevate one’s Krishna consciousness and move closer to the spiritual world.