Varshitap - Jain penance

Varshitap is one of the most rigorous fasts in Jainism. The practitioner eats only on alternate days for an entire year (13 months and 10 days). On eating days, only one simple meal is taken. The fast concludes with a grand Parana ceremony. It commemorates Lord Rishabhdev's first Parana after a year of fasting.

Varshitap is considered one of the highest forms of physical austerity. Completing it is a matter of immense spiritual merit and community celebration.

Also called

वर्षीतप

Kind of practice

Penance

Difficulty

Advanced

When

Anytime

Suitable for

Adults

How it is done

1. Make a formal Sankalp (vow) before a Guru.

2. Fast completely on alternate days — no food or water.

3. On eating days, consume only one simple meal before sunset.

4. Maintain spiritual practices throughout the year.

5. Conclude with Parana on Akshay Tritiya with sugarcane juice (as Lord Rishabhdev did).

More on JainLok: Sadhana