Varshitap (or Varshi Tap) is a special Jain austerity (tapa).

Simple meaning:

• “Varshi” = one year
• “Tap” = austerity / penance

So Varshitap means “year‑long austerity”.

What is done in Varshitap?

• It is usually done for about one year (13 months and 13 days).
• Most commonly, it is done as alternate‑day fasting:

- One day: full fast (upvās – no food, only boiled water within fixed time) - Next day: eat once (ekāsan / biyāsan) with rules of Jain discipline

• It is performed with guidance of a Guru / sādhu-sādhviji and with strong vows of:

- Ahimsā (non‑violence) - Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha - Along with daily sāmāyik, pratikraman, swādhyāy, bhakti as one is able.

Spiritual purpose:

• To reduce passions and attachments.
• To burn old karmas (nirjarā) through disciplined tapas.
• It is often done in remembrance of Bhagwān Ādināth (Rishabhdev), whose very long fast ended on Akshaya Tritiyā; many Jains complete Varshitap and do pārnā (fast‑breaking) on that day.

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