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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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)

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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?

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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?

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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)

सिद्धचक्र में नवपद का स्वरुप क्या है?

Definition of Navapada (Nine supreme elements) in Siddhachakra 

१. अरिहन्त परमेष्ठी

नाना प्रकार के दुखों से उद्वेलित जगत के समस्त जीवों के प्रति उछलते हुए करुणा भाव से वीस स्थानक तप की सम्यक आराधना कर जिन्होंने तीर्थंकर नाम कर्म का उपार्जन किया ऐसे जगत वत्सल अरिहन्त परमेष्ठी को प्रथम पद में बारम्बार नमस्कार है। अचिन्त्य सामर्थ्य युक्त, सिद्धचक्र के केंद्र स्वरुप उस परम ज्ञानी सर्वज्ञ परमेश्वर ने  जगत तारक तीर्थ रूप चतुर्विध संघ स्थापित किया। सम्पूर्ण कृत कृत्य होते हुए भी केवल मात्र जगत हितार्थ जिन्होंने देवकृत समवसरण में स्फटिक रत्न के सिंहासन पर विराजमान हो कर अपने वचनातिशय के प्रभाव से ३५ गुण युक्त वाणी से सभी भव्य प्राणियों का कल्याण किया ऐसे लोकप्रदीप अरिहंत परमात्मा को त्रिकरण, त्रियोग से नमस्कार हो।   

२. सिद्ध परमेष्ठी

समस्त प्राणियों में क्लेश उत्पन्न करने वाले मोहनीय कर्म को क्षय करने के पश्चात् जिन्होंने समस्त कर्मो को पूर्ण रूपेण क्षय कर दिया है ऐसे परम आनंद के घन पिंड श्री सिद्ध परमात्मा का शरण हो।  आठ कर्मों के क्षय से प्रगट अनंत ज्ञान, अनंत दर्शन, अव्यावध सुख, क्षायिक सम्यक्त्व व अनंत चारित्र, अगुरुलघु, आदि गुणों से युक्त देहरहित अरूपी सिद्ध परमात्मा अक्षय स्थिति गन के कारण अनंत काल तक सिद्ध शिला के ऊपर लोकांत में विराजमान हैं।  मुनिराज के ह्रदय रूपी मानसरोवर में हंस के समान क्रीड़ा करने वाले ऐसे सिद्ध भगवन को त्रिकरण त्रियोग से नमस्कार हो।  

३. आचार्य परमेष्ठी

"तित्थयर समो सूरी" ऐसे शास्त्र वाक्य से जिनकी प्रतिष्ठा है; ज्ञानाचार, दर्शनाचार, चारित्राचार, तपाचार व वीर्याचार के पालन में समुद्यत एवं चतुर्विध संघ को पालन की प्रेरणा देनेवाले ३६ गुणधारी आचार्य भगवंत को तीसरे पद में नमस्कार हो।  सदा तत्वज्ञान में रमण करनेवाले, आगमों की सरहस्य व्याख्या करनेवाले, संघ हित में देश, काल के अनुसार निर्णय कर उसका पालन करवाने वाले जिनशासन में दीपक समान मुनिपति गणाधीश आचार्य भगवंत जयवंत वर्तें।  

४. उपाध्याय परमेष्ठी

कुवादी रूप मदमस्त हाथियों के अहंकार को चूर्ण करने में सिंह के समान अजेय पराक्रमी ११ अंग और १४ पूर्व को साङ्गोपाङ्ग धारण करनेवाले उपाध्याय भगवंत को चौथे पद में सदा नमस्कार हो। राजकुमार के सामान आचार्य परमेष्ठी के शासन को सँभालने वाले और मुर्ख से मुर्ख शिष्य को भी विद्वान बनाने का सामर्थ्य रखनेवाले श्रेष्ठ अध्यापक २५ गुण धारी उपाध्याय परमेष्ठी तीसरे भाव में मोक्ष प्राप्त करनेवाले होने से सदा वंदनीय हैं. 

५. साधु परमेष्ठी

मोक्षमार्ग की साधना में निरंतर अप्रमाद पञ्च समिति से समित व त्रि गुप्ति से गुप्त षटकाय रक्षक साधु परमेष्ठी को सतत नमन। संयम के शिखर पुरुष, १८ हज़ार शीलांग के धारक, अचल आचार चरित्र वाले जग वान्धव मुनि भगवंत सदा जयवंत हों।  आचार्य, स्थविर और उपाध्याय की सेवा में निमग्न एवं उनकी आज्ञा के पालक, मधुकरी वृत्ति से जीवन निर्वाह करनेवाले उग्र तपस्वी श्रमण वृन्दों को त्रिकाल वंदन, नमन।  

६. सम्यग दर्शन पद

  

मिथ्यात्व के नाश से उत्पन्न जिनेश्वर देव के वचन में श्रद्धा एवं तत्व में रूचि रूप समस्त धर्मों का मूल सम्यग दर्शन को त्रिकालवर्ती भावों से सम्यग नमन।  जिसके बिना ज्ञान भी अज्ञान रूप हो, और चारित्र भी भव भ्रमण को नष्ट न कर सकता हो ऐसे धर्म बीज सम्यक्त्व की जय हो! दर्शन मोहनीय की तीन प्रकृति एवं चार अनंतनुवांधि कषाय के क्षय-उपशम से प्रगट होने वाले ६७ गुणों से युक्त सम्यक दर्शन मुझे प्राप्त हो!

७. सम्यग ज्ञान पद

अज्ञान एवं मोह हारिणि, ५१ भेदों से  नमस्कृत, स्व-पर प्रकाशक सम्यग ज्ञान पद को बारम्बार नमस्कार।  सभी क्रियायों का मूल, मति, श्रुत, अवधि, मनःपर्यव और केवल ज्ञान इन पांच भेदों से सर्वत्र पूजित, जगत प्रकाशक ज्ञान पद सदा जयवंत वर्ते।  तीनों लोक, यहाँ तक की अलोक को भी द्रव्य, गुण, पर्याय सहित सम्पूर्णतः प्रकाशित करनेवाले ज्ञान की केवल ज्ञान प्राप्ति में हेतु बनें.   

८. सम्यग चारित्र पद

६ खण्ड के विशाल राज्य सुख को घास के तिनके के सामान तुच्छ समझ कर, उसे छोड़कर चक्रवर्ती भी जिन्हे अंगीकार करते हैं ऐसे मोक्ष सुख के प्रत्यक्ष कारण भुत और आत्मरमण रूप सम्यग चारित्र पद को बारम्बार वंदन हो। अंगीकार करने के  मात्र एक माह में ही व्यंतर देवलोक के सुख से अधिक और १२ माह में अनुत्तर विमान के सुख का अतिक्रमण करनेवाले चारित्र के सुख की तुलना जगत के किस सुख से हो सकती है? ७० गुणों से अलंकृत, देश विरति और सर्व विरति के भेद वाले चारित्र को नमन. 

९. सम्यग तप पद

उसी भव में अपनी निश्चित मुक्ति जानते हुए भी तीर्थंकर भगवंत जिसका आचरण करते हैं, समस्त कर्मों को जड़ मूल से उखाड फेंकने वाले उस तप पद को बारम्बार नमन हो।  वाह्य और अभ्यन्तर दोनों प्रकार के तप ही इच्छा निरोध स्वरुप हैं, ५० गुणों से युक्त ऐसे सम्यग तप पद की सदा जय हो !

Thanks, 

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)

News and articles on Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli)

This is the third day of Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli) and Jain community has worshiped Acharya Pad today. The previous two days were meant for Arihant and Siddha Pad.

There are several news reports and articles on the topic. Please click and view those. You can click below to stay tuned for latest news.

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari