Varsitap (or Varshitap) is a special Jain tapasya (austerity / fast) done for about one year, mainly in remembrance of Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath).

What is Varsitap?

• “Varshi + tap” = tap (austerity) for one year.
• It is based on the episode where Bhagwan Rishabhdev stayed without proper food for a long time and finally broke his fast with ikshu‑ras (sugarcane juice) on Akshaya Tritiya.
• To remember this, shravaks–shravikas take a vow to do one‑year tapasya.

How is Varsitap generally done?

Exact method can differ slightly by guru/tradition, but in simple form:

• Duration: About 1 year (around 13 months), usually ending on Akshaya Tritiya.
• Pattern of fasting (most common):

- Day 1 – Upvas: No food, only boiled water in fixed time. - Day 2 – Ekasan or Beasan: Very simple Jain food taken only once (Ekasan) or twice (Beasan) in fixed samay. - This alternates every day for the whole year (Upvas → Ekasan/Beasan → Upvas → Ekasan/Beasan …).

• Along with this, the practitioner is encouraged to do:

- Samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, jaap, puja / darshan, etc. - Keep vairagya, kshama, and control over krodh–maan–maya–lobh.

Spiritual purpose

• To reduce kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
• To strengthen self‑control over tongue, senses and comforts.
• To remember Bhagwan Rishabhdev’s mahavrat and tapasya.
• To collect punya and mainly to purify the soul.

Digambar / Shwetambar view

• Both traditions accept Varsitap as a very high form of tapasya connected with Adinath Bhagwan.
• Rules / details (exact diet on non‑fast days, water timings, etc.) can differ according to acharya / guru and local tradition.
• In both, it is not compulsory; it should be done only with proper guidance and according to health and capacity, never out of show‑off or competition.

In short: Varsitap kriya is a one‑year alternate‑day fasting discipline, done with deep bhakti for Bhagwan Rishabhdev, to purify the soul through strong but disciplined tapasya.