Adhik Maas (also called Mal Maas or Purushottam Maas) is the leap month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Because twelve lunar months total about 354 days — eleven days short of the solar year — an extra month is added approximately every 32.5 months, technically defined as a lunar month containing no sankranti (solar transit). The added month takes the name of the following month prefixed with "Adhik." Considered unsuitable for weddings, housewarmings, and other once-in-a-lifetime samskaras, Adhik Maas is instead prized for spiritual practice: it is dedicated to Vishnu as Purushottam, and japa, scripture reading (especially the Bhagavata Purana), fasting, and charity performed during it are held to yield multiplied merit.