Puruṣottama month comes in the leap year—every thirty-two months. Previously, this month was known as mala-māsa. Mala means unclean, contaminated, and suitable for being rejected. This was considered the forsaken month. All materially auspicious activities are stopped during this month. No one is permitted to perform any of them.
This month should be observed by following the rules and regulations one follows during Kārtika month. Śrīmatī Rādhikā is the predominating deity in the month of Kārtika, and Kṛṣṇa is the predominating deity of Puruṣottama-māsa.
One should not perform any material pious activities (śubha-karma) in this month. Instead of being derailed into material activities, one should become one-pointed and do one-pointed vows for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa. Only perform service to Hari, Guru, and Vaiṣṇavas, chant harināma, and stay near Puruṣottama-devā. For those who observe this vow, it is certain that all their desires will be fulfilled. All so-called auspicious activities of this world, such as performing duties within varṇāśrama-dharma and getting married, will have no value if one does not perform bhajana and if Lord Kṛṣṇa is not pleased.
August 04, 2004 Purī