Navakara Mantra: The Most Sacred Jain Prayer

1. Introduction to the Navakara Mantra

The Navakara Mantra (also called Namokar Mantra or Panch Parmeshthi Mantra) is the most sacred and powerful mantra in Jainism. It is not dedicated to any specific person, Tirthankara, or deity but instead offers universal obeisance (vandana) to the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi) who have attained the highest spiritual status.

This mantra is recited by all Jains, regardless of sect (Digambara or Shwetambara) and is considered the first and most fundamental prayer in Jainism. It is also the first verse of Jain scriptures (Agamas) and is said to contain the essence of all Jain teachings.

Arihantas and other Parmesthis are the greatest benefactors in the world. Arihantas and Siddhas are completely fulfilled and accomplished (Kritakritya). They have attained the highest and supreme state and absolute bliss. There is nothing left for them to achieve. Yet, Arihantas selflessly guide living beings through their teachings, working for their welfare without any expectation. That is why they are the greatest benefactors of the world.

When one soul attains Moksha (liberation) and reaches the state of Siddha, only then does another soul get liberated from Nigoda (the lowest form of life). In this way, Siddha Bhagwants play a significant role in helping souls escape from Nigoda.

Similarly, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, while primarily engaged in their own spiritual practices, also guide us through their teachings, showing us the path to true happiness. Therefore, after Arihantas and Siddhas, their contribution is also invaluable.

In the Navakara Mantra, by bowing to these five supreme beings (Panch Parmesthi), we express our gratitude towards these greatest benefactors.

The word "Namo" signifies salutation and humility, and humility (Vinay) is the foundation of all virtues and Dharma.

2. The Sanskrit/Prakrit Verse of Navakara Mantra

The Navakara Mantra consists of nine lines, each paying homage to different spiritual beings:

Navakara Mantra in Prakrit

🔸 णमो अरिहंताणं           (Namo Arihantāṇam)
🔸 णमो सिद्धाणं               (Namo Siddhāṇam)
🔸 णमो आयरियाणं         (Namo Āyariyāṇam)
🔸 णमो उवज्झायाणं       (Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam)
🔸 णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं  (Namo Loe Savvasāhūṇam)

🔹 एसो पंच णमुक्कारो    (Eso Panchanamokkāro)
🔹 सव्व पावप्पणासणो    (Savva pāvappaṇāsano)
🔹 मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं     (Mangalāṇam Cha Savvesiṁ)
🔹 पढमं हवई मंगलं        (Paḍhamaṁ Havaī Maṅgalaṁ)

There are nine Padas, eight Sampadas and sixty-eight Aksharas (letters) in Navakara Mantra. 68 letters in Navakara Mantra. represent 68 Teerthas (Pilgrimage centers). This mantra is in the Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language, which was spoken during Lord Mahavira’s time.

3. Meaning of the Navakara Mantra

Each line of the Navakara Mantra is a salutation (Namaskar) to great spiritual beings:

Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmeshthi) Worshipped in the Mantra

Prakrit Phrase	Meaning	Who is Being Worshipped?
Namo Arihantāṇam	I bow to the Arihantas.	Arihantas are enlightened beings who have destroyed all inner enemies (Karmas) but still live in the world, guiding others.
Namo Siddhāṇam	I bow to the Siddhas.	Siddhas are liberated souls who have attained Moksha and are free from all Karma.
Namo Āyariyāṇam	I bow to the Acharyas.	Acharyas are the great spiritual leaders who guide the Jain Sangha (community).
Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam	I bow to the Upadhyayas.	Upadhyayas are Jain monks who teach scriptures and guide others in spiritual knowledge.
Namo Loe Savvasāhūṇam	I bow to all Sadhus and Sadhvis.	Sadhus and Sadhvis (monks and nuns) who follow strict vows of renunciation and practice self-discipline.

Chulika: The Last Four Lines – The Power of the Mantra

Prakrit Phrase	Meaning
Eso Panchanamokkāro	These five salutations (Namaskars) destroy sins.
Savvapāvappaṇāsano	They eliminate all sinful activities.
Mangalāṇam Cha Savvesiṁ	They bring supreme auspiciousness to all beings.
Paḍhamaṁ Havaī Maṅgalaṁ	This is the greatest and foremost Mangala (auspicious prayer).

Thus, the Navakara Mantra does not ask for materialistic gains but instead helps in purifying the soul and destroying past sins.

4. The Importance and Benefits of Reciting the Navakara Mantra

The Navakara Mantra holds a special place in Jainism because:
✔️ It is the most powerful mantra – It removes negative karma and increases good karma.
✔️ It is completely universal – It does not worship any one person but rather virtues and spiritual greatness.
✔️ It teaches respect – It reminds us to always respect enlightened souls and great teachers.
✔️ It helps in spiritual progress – Regular recitation of the mantra brings peace, concentration, and purification of the mind.

Scientific & Spiritual Benefits of the Navakara Mantra

🔹 Brings inner peace – Reciting the mantra helps to calm the mind and reduce stress.
🔹 Creates positive energy – It attracts good vibrations and purifies the surroundings.
🔹 Increases focus – Helps students and seekers to improve their concentration.
🔹 Destroys past karma – The mantra cleanses negative karma and guides the soul toward Moksha.
🔹 Encourages humility – It teaches devotion to great beings without expecting rewards.

5. How to Recite the Navakara Mantra?

The Navakara Mantra can be chanted anytime and anywhere, but Jains usually recite it:

✅ After waking up in the morning – To begin the day with positivity.
✅ Before eating food – To express gratitude and spiritual awareness.
✅ Before sleeping – To remove negative thoughts and end the day with a pure mind.
✅ During meditation (Samayik) – To help focus and purify the mind.
✅ When starting any important work – To bring auspiciousness and remove obstacles.

There is no limit to how many times one can chant it. Some people chant it 108 times daily, as 108 is a sacred number in Jainism.

6. The Connection Between the Navakara Mantra and Jain Values

The Navakara Mantra reflects the key values of Jainism:

✅ Non-violence (Ahimsa) – It promotes love and respect for all beings.
✅ Truthfulness (Satya) – It acknowledges the ultimate truth of enlightened souls.
✅ Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) – It does not ask for material wealth but for spiritual purity.
✅ Self-discipline (Tapas) – Encourages devotion and renunciation.

Thus, chanting the Navakara Mantra is a spiritual practice that aligns with Jain principles.

7. Conclusion

The Navakara Mantra is the most sacred and powerful mantra in Jainism. It is not just a prayer but a reminder of Jain values, a source of spiritual purification, and a path toward liberation.

By chanting the Navakara Mantra, we develop humility, devotion, and self-discipline. It helps us to purify our soul, remove karma, and progress toward Moksha (liberation).

📖 Did You Know?
🔹 The Navakara Mantra is older than all religious prayers and is considered the oldest existing mantra in the world.
🔹 Jain Ascetics begin and end all activities by reciting the Navakara Mantra.

Exercise: 

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary significance of the Navakara Mantra in Jainism?
   a) It is a prayer for wealth and prosperity.
   b) It is dedicated to a specific Tirthankara.
   c) It offers obeisance to the five supreme beings.
   d) It is a request for forgiveness.

2. The Navakara Mantra is also known as:
   a) Panch Parmeshthi Mantra
   b) Bhaktamara Stotra
   c) Tatvartha Sutra
   d) Aagam Mantra

3. Who among the following is not worshipped in the Navakara Mantra?
   a) Arihantas
   b) Siddhas
   c) Acharyas
   d) Chakravarti

4. What does the word "Namo" signify in the Navakara Mantra?
   a) Authority
   b) Salutation and humility
   c) Liberation
   d) Karma

5. The Navakara Mantra does not seek:
   a) Material wealth
   b) Spiritual purification
   c) Liberation from karma
   d) Humility and devotion

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. The Navakara Mantra is in the __________ language.
2. The five supreme beings worshipped in the Navakara Mantra are collectively called __________.
3. The last four lines of the mantra emphasize its ability to destroy __________.
4. The Navakara Mantra does not worship individuals but instead pays respect to __________.
5. There are __________ letters in the Navakara Mantra, representing 68 Jain pilgrimage centers.

C. Match the Following

Column A	Column B
Namo Arihantāṇam	I bow to all monks and nuns who practice renunciation.
Namo Siddhāṇam	I bow to the fully enlightened beings who still live in the world.
Namo Āyariyāṇam	I bow to the spiritual leaders (Acharyas).
Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam	I bow to the liberated souls who have attained Moksha.
Namo Loe Savvasāhūṇam	I bow to those who teach scriptures (Upadhyayas).

D. True or False

1. The Navakara Mantra is recited only by Digambara Jains. (False)
2. Arihantas have destroyed all their karmas and no longer exist in the world. (False)
3. Siddhas are completely liberated souls who reside in Siddhashila. (True)
4. The Navakara Mantra seeks blessings for material prosperity. (False)
5. Regular recitation of the Navakara Mantra helps in spiritual purification. (True)

E. Short Answer Questions

1. What is the importance of the Navakara Mantra in Jainism?
2. Why does the Navakara Mantra not mention specific Tirthankaras or deities?
3. Explain the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi) worshipped in the mantra.
4. What is the significance of humility (Vinay) in the Navakara Mantra?
5. How does the mantra help in karma purification?

F. Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the spiritual and scientific benefits of chanting the Navakara Mantra.
2. How does the Navakara Mantra reflect Jain principles such as Ahimsa, Satya, and Aparigraha?
3. Explain the meaning of the last four lines (Chulika) and their significance.
4. Describe the different times and occasions when Jains recite the Navakara Mantra.
5. How does the Navakara Mantra contribute to mental peace and spiritual growth?

A brief introduction to Jainism: Links to various topics                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Jyoti Kothari 

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is an adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)

Deva, Guru, Dharma

Deva, Guru, Dharma – The Nine Supremes (Navapada)

Introduction

Jain philosophy reveres Deva, Guru, and Dharma as the three fundamental principles guiding a soul toward liberation. Together, they form the essence of Navapada, or the Nine Supremes, which help an individual attain moksha (liberation). This concept is often represented as Siddhachakra, a sacred symbol that destroys worldly bondages, much like a powerful weapon.

Deva Tatwa – The Supreme Beings

The Deva Tatwa refers to those who have attained spiritual excellence and are worshipped in Jainism. These beings are free from attachments, aversions, and impurities.

1. Arihanta – The Enlightened One

Arihantas are omniscient beings who have destroyed all four Ghati Karmas but still have all four Aghati Karmas and a physical body. They preach the true path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct to guide others toward liberation.

Example:

• Lord Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana and became an Arihanta, preaching for the welfare of all beings.

2. Siddha – The Liberated Soul

Siddhas are pure, formless souls who have completely destroyed all Ghati and Aghati Karmas and attained eternal bliss. They reside forever in Siddhashila, at the top of the universe, free from birth and death.

Example:

• Once Lord Mahavira shed his mortal body, he became a Siddha and attained liberation.

Guru Tatwa – The Supreme Teachers

Guru Tatwa refers to those who guide others on the path of spiritual upliftment. They are the torchbearers of Jain Dharma, spreading the teachings of the Tirthankaras. They have the right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. They are in the highest spiritual order, but Arihanta and Siddha follow Jain principles with utmost dedication to purify the remaining impurities of the soul. Their primary goal is to purify their own mind and soul to attain Moksha (Liberation), and secondarily to preach as told by the Arihant.

3. Acharya – The Spiritual Leader

Acharyas are the heads of the Jain Sangha (monastic order), responsible for maintaining discipline among the four-fold Jain Sangh, and spreading Jain teachings. They guide Jain ascetics and lay followers on the path of Right Conduct.

Example:

• Acharya Kundakunda, a great Jain scholar, wrote scriptures like Samayasara, guiding seekers toward true spirituality.

4. Upadhyaya – The Teacher

Upadhyayas are Jain ascetics who are learned in scriptures (Holy texts or Agamas) and teach others about Jain philosophy and discipline. Upadhyaya also helps and supports in the administration of Acharya to manage the fourfold Jain Sangh. 

Example:

• A Jain ascetic who teaches the Agamas (Jain scriptures) to disciples is an Upadhyaya.

5. Sadhu – 

Sadhus (Male ascetics) and Sadhvis (Female ascetics) renounce worldly life and dedicate themselves to austere living and self-purification. They practice strict discipline to attain spiritual growth.

Example:

• A Sadhu follows the Mahavratas (Five Great Vows), including Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Dharma Tatwa – The Four Pillars of Spiritual Progress

Dharma Tatwa consists of the four key elements necessary for attaining liberation.

6. Samyag Darshana (Right Faith)

Right Faith is the correct perception of reality and unwavering belief in Jain principles. It is the foundation for spiritual progress.

Example:

• A person who believes in Tatwa (seven or nine elements) without any doubt possesses Samyag Darshana.

7. Samyag Jnana (Right Knowledge)

Right Knowledge is true understanding of reality, free from delusions and misconceptions.

Example:

• Learning the Tattvas (fundamental principles) of Jainism from an enlightened guru and then retaining them is Samyag Jnana.

8. Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct)

Right Conduct means living according to Jain ethical principles, avoiding sinful actions, and practicing virtues.

Example:

• A person who follows Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, speech, and action demonstrates Samyag Charitra.

9. Tapa (Austerity)

Tapa refers to self-discipline and penance, which help in purifying the soul and eliminating karmic bondage.

Example:

• Observing fasting (Upavasa) and meditation to control desires is a form of Tapa.

Navapada – The Nine Supremes

By combining the Pancha Parameshthi (Five Supreme Entities) and the Four Dharma Tatwas, we get the Navapada (Nine Supremes):

1. Arihanta

2. Siddha

3. Acharya

4. Upadhyaya

5. Sadhu

6. Samyag Darshana

7. Samyag Jnana

8. Samyag Charitra

9. Tapa

These Nine Supremes are depicted in Siddhachakra, a powerful symbol of Jainism. The Siddhachakra serves as a spiritual compass, guiding a person toward moksha by eliminating karmic bondage, just as a mighty weapon, the Chakra, destroys enemies.

Conclusion

Navapada is the highest path of Jainism, leading a soul toward liberation. Worshipping these Nine Supremes brings peace, wisdom, and purity, ultimately helping one become a Siddha, free from the cycle of birth and death.

Exercise Section

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The five supreme beings are collectively called _______.

2. The combination of Pancha Parameshthi and Dharma Tatwa is known as _______.

3. The symbol that represents Navapada is called _______.

4. _______ are the enlightened beings who preach the path of liberation.

5. Siddhas reside in _______.

6. _______ is the supreme leader of Jain monks and nuns.

7. Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct together form _______.

8. The practice of fasting and meditation is known as _______.

B. Match the following:

1. Arihanta → (a) The Omniscient Teacher

2. Siddha → (b) The Liberated Soul

3. Acharya → (c) Head of Jain Sangha

4. Upadhyaya → (d) Teacher of Scriptures

5. Sadhu → (e) Monk following strict discipline

6. Samyag Darshana → (f) Right Faith

7. Samyag Jnana → (g) Right Knowledge

8. Samyag Charitra → (h) Right Conduct

9. Tapa → (i) Austerity and Penance

C. True or False:

1. Siddhas have physical bodies. ( )

2. Acharyas are the highest spiritual leaders in the Jain Sangha. ( )

3. Tapa refers to practicing meditation and self-discipline. ( )

4. Navapada consists of only the five supreme beings. ( )

5. Arihantas have completely destroyed all their karmas. ( )

D. Short Answer Questions:

1. What is the significance of Siddhachakra in Jainism?

2. Define Pancha Parameshthi and list its members.

3. How does Samyag Jnana help in spiritual progress?

4. Why is Tapa important in Jainism?

5. What is the ultimate goal of following Navapada?

A brief introduction to Jainism: Links to various topics

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)