Varshitap (also called Varsi Tap / Varshee Tap) is a very strong Jain tapasya (austerity) linked especially with Bhagwan Rishabhdev and Akshaya Tritiya.

1. What is Varshitap?

In simple words:

• You fast every alternate day for about one year

(traditionally: 13 months and 13 days according to the Jain lunar calendar).

• Pattern:

- Day 1: Upvas (no food; water as per maryada) - Day 2: One simple meal in the day (often only once, before sunset) - Day 3: again upvas, and so on… this continues for the full period.

Because it goes on for a whole “year” (varsh), it is called Varshi‑tap / Varshi‑tap, commonly spoken as Varshitap.

2. Spiritual purpose

According to Jain dharma, the main aims are:

• Nirjara – shedding past karmas through tapa.
• Samvar – stopping new karmas by controlling senses and passions.
• Developing:

- Vairagya (detachment) - Sanyam (self‑control) - Kshama (forgiveness) and reduction of kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed).

It is not done for health, show, or social status; it is a serious spiritual vrata.

3. Connection with Rishabhdev and Akshaya Tritiya

• Jain tradition says Bhagwan Rishabhdev did very deep tapas and finally broke his long fast with ikshu‑ras (sugarcane juice) given by King Shreyans.
• This parna day is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya).
• Many Jains therefore complete their Varshitap parna on Akshaya Tritiya, often at special tirth like Shatrunjay (Palitana) or Hastinapur.

You can read a simple story‑based description of Varshi‑tap and its connection with Shatrunjay here

4. Who can do it?

• Done by Shravaks and Shravikas, and also sometimes by sadhus–sadhvis,
• Only if the body and mind are capable,
• Always under guidance of Guru / learned Jain elders and with proper pachchakkhan (vow).

Both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions respect Varshitap; details of rules (water, timings, small differences of vidhi) may vary, but the core meaning is the same: year‑long alternate‑day fasting for atma‑shuddhi (soul purification).

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In one line: Varshitap is a year‑long, alternate‑day fasting tapas in Jainism, done for strong spiritual purification, inspired by the tapas of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, and usually completed on Akshaya Tritiya.