Varshitap holds a special place in Jainism as it was first undertaken by Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. After renouncing worldly life, Rishabhdev Bhagwan observed continuous Varshitap fasting for 13 months and 13 days, but due to Adhik Mas (extra month) (400 DAYS) following an alternate-day fasting pattern.

Finally, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, Rishabhdev Bhagwan  broke his Varshitap fast by consuming sugarcane juice, marking the tradition of Varshitap Parna.

What is Varshitap?

Varshitap is a special type of fasting where an individual follows an alternate-day fasting pattern, consuming food only every second day for an entire year. The practitioner eats only on alternate days and strictly follows the principles of Jainism, including non-violence, truth, and self-restraint. 

Scientific Perspective of Varshitap

From a scientific point of view, intermittent fasting, like Varshitap, has multiple health benefits:

• Detoxification: Fasting aids in cellular repair and the elimination of toxins.

• Improved Digestion: A regulated eating schedule enhances digestive efficiency.

• Enhanced Mental Clarity: Fasting is linked to better focus and reduced stress.

• Longevity: Studies suggest that controlled fasting may increase lifespan and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Why Do People Observe Varshitap?

• Spiritual Growth: The fasting helps in cleansing the soul by burning past karmas.

• Self-Discipline: The practice requires immense self-control and patience.

• Purification of Body and Mind: It is believed that fasting detoxifies the body and brings clarity of thought.

• Religious Devotion: Many Jains undertake Varshitap to express their devotion to Tirthankaras and follow their teachings.
  

How is Varshitap Observed?
Varshitap follows a disciplined fasting cycle:

• Alternate-Day Fasting: Practitioners eat only on alternate days, consuming simple Jain food while strictly following spiritual and ethical principles.

• Drinking Boiled Water: On fasting days, only boiled water is consumed, and that too only during prescribed hours.

• No Food or Water After Sunset: Even on days when eating is allowed, no food or water is consumed after 6 PM.

• Beshna: If a fasting day coincides with Chaudas (the 14th day of the lunar fortnight), the fasting person follows additional religious practices and may need to adjust their schedule accordingly.

• Ekasana: On non-fasting days, some practitioners choose to eat only one meal (Ekasana) instead of two, further strengthening their penance.

What is Varshitap Parna?

Parna is the sacred ritual of breaking the Varshitap fast. It is performed on Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most auspicious days in Jainism. The fasting individual breaks the fast by consuming sugarcane juice or other simple satvik food, signifying the completion of their year-long penance.

Questions & Answers on Varshitap

Q: What is Varshitap?
Varshitap is a Jain fasting ritual where an individual follows an alternate-day fasting pattern, consuming food only every second day for an entire year.

Q: Which month does Varshitap start with?
Varshitap lasts for 13 months and 13 days, so it starts in the Chaitra month and continues for a full cycle, completing on the Akshaya Tritiya of the next year.

Q: What is Beshna?
Beshna refers to consuming only two meals a day

Q: What is Ekasana?
Ekasana refers to consuming only one meal a day