Adhika

Adhika is a term of Sanskrit origin meaning "more, greater, beyond" and appears as both an adjective and a noun in Indian languages. The root adhik- conveys addition, excess, or superiority, and related forms include adhikāra (authority or right) and adhikā (superior). In classical and modern usage, these roots appear across religious, philosophical, and everyday language.

As a given name, Adhika is used in parts of India and Nepal. It is found among speakers of Hindi, Sanskrit, and related languages and is typically chosen for its positive meanings related to being greater or extra. Naming practices vary by community, and the name may be used for individuals of different genders depending on local tradition.

In Hindu lunisolar calendars, Adhik Maas (also called Mal Maas) refers to an extra month inserted into the year to align lunar months with the solar year. The insertion occurs when the solar and lunar cycles drift apart, resulting in 13 lunar months within a solar year. The exact timing and observances of Adhik Maas vary by tradition; some communities adjust religious rites, while others maintain regular practices with special emphasis on certain readings or vows during the extra month.

Beyond calendrical use, Adhika appears in religious, philosophical, and literary contexts as a root concept related to addition, surplus, or superiority. The term is not tied to a single person, place, or institution, and its precise meaning depends on linguistic and cultural context.