The Pokrov-Selishchensky Holy Varsanofievsky Women's Monastery was founded on the site of a regular parish in the village of Pokrovskie Selishchi in the Zubovo-Polyansky district. The local Mokshans, who were baptized in 1743 by the decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, soon proved to be zealous Christians, building two wooden churches: the cold Pokrovsky and the warm Nikolsky. The second, ecclesiastical name of the village originated from the summer church, in contrast to the nearby Russian Selishche, also known as Vvedenskoye. In the 19th century, the large Pokrov-Selishchensky parish, which numbered over 5,500 people, split into two. The village of Novye Vyselki, with a population of 3,900, built a wooden Pokrovsky church with a Nikolsky chapel in 1854, and then, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, a majestic stone church with three altars dedicated to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Prince Vladimir and Martyr Irina, modeled after the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Serafimo-Diveevsky Monastery. In 1903, peasants from Selishchi and Bozunovo guarded the tsar's train on its way to Sarov on the eve of the canonization of Elder Seraphim, whose icons are still venerated by local believers. In the 1920s, the faithful defended their churches, but in 1934 both churches were lost. In Pokrovskoye Selishche, the buildings remained untouched, while in Novye Vyselki, the church was destroyed to the foundation.

The Selishchensky churches were handed over to the agricultural commune for storage, with the bell tower and crosses dismantled first. In 1975, the Pokrovsky and Nikolsky churches, recognized as architectural monuments of the 18th century, were placed under state protection, but soon the summer church was demolished. With the establishment of the Saransk Diocese, the parish in Pokrovskie Selishchi was revived. In February 1992, the first liturgy was held in the former Nikolsky church, newly consecrated in honor of St. Varsanofiy, Bishop of Tver. Soon, a women's monastic community emerged at the church, which was transformed into a women's monastery by the decree of Patriarch Alexy in 1996. The monastery was headed by Abbess Varsanofiya Kuzmicheva, while the spiritual father remains Archimandrite Alexiy Degaev, who revived the parish in the village. The young monastery became a large monastic community known for its economic efficiency and strict monastic life. The sisters engage in agriculture, beekeeping, and animal husbandry, including breeding exotic bird species. The monastery actively collaborates with district structures, perceiving it as an equal partner. The labor of the sisters serves as an example for local residents, and the earned funds are directed towards construction, transforming the village.

Several cell buildings have been constructed, including one with a home Pokrovsky church, the main church has been restored, and a hotel for pilgrims has been built, the flow of whom is constantly growing. Funds are also directed towards the development of the economy, assistance to orphanages, and work with local children. The Pokrov-Selishchenskaya school, separated from the monastery by only a wall, is the main collective parishioner, and the children are the main helpers of the sisters. Between 45 and 60 residents live in the monastery, including both local women and those from various regions of Russia.

The waters of Selishchi are famous; the monastery has a well that is used even by residents of remote villages. Nearby, there is a well-maintained spring with a chapel consecrated in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Donskaya." Among the icons venerated by the sisters and pilgrims, the images of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Seraphim of Sarov stand out especially.