No, doing Parthikaman (Pratikraman) is not scripturally “compulsory” for Varshitap in the sense that without it Varshitap becomes invalid.

But in good traditional practice, the following is true:

1. Strongly recommended, not optional in spirit

- Varshitap is a very high tapa. - Along with fasting, one must do: - Samayik (equanimity / dhyana) - Pratikraman (Parthikaman – repentance and review of faults) - Swadhyay (scripture study) - Without these, it becomes mostly a physical fast, and the true Jain purpose (kashaya–shaman, karma–nirjara) is weakened.

1. Why Parthikaman is so closely linked to Varshitap

- Pratikraman is one of the internal tapas (abhyantar tap). - Internal tapas are more important than external tapas like upvas, ayambil, etc. - Because Varshitap is for atma–shuddhi, daily or at least regular Pratikraman during Varshitap is considered essential in practice by both Śvetāmbara and Digambar teachers.

1. Difference between “compulsory” and “proper”

- Scriptural vow (sankalp) of Varshitap mainly defines the fasting pattern (alternate day upvas / ekasana etc., and parna on Akshaya Tritiya). - Sadguru, sadhus, and shastras insist that along with this, one should also: - Keep brahmacharya (celibacy) - Avoid krodh, maan, maya, lobh - Do Pratikraman/Samayik regularly - So: technically the vow is about fasting, but spiritually, Varshitap is considered “adhura” (incomplete) without Parthikaman and other internal taps.

1. Practical guideline

- If someone is doing Varshitap and, due to health or timing, cannot attend a full long Pratikraman every day, at least: - Do short Pratikraman / alochana (mentally ask forgiveness for faults of that day). - Chant Navkar Mantra, Logassa, or other sutras with bhaav. - Try to do Samayik daily, even if short.

So in one line:

• Not compulsory as a legal rule,
• But spiritually necessary and strongly expected as part of right Varshitap.

You can read more about Varshitap and its vidhi here: