The Navkar Mantra, also known as the Namokar Mantra, is one of the most important and revered prayers in Jainism. It holds a central place in the spiritual practices of Jains worldwide and is considered a powerful chant for achieving spiritual progress, mental peace, and liberation. In this article, we explore the meaning and benefits of the Navkar Mantra in Jainism.
Meaning of Navkar Mantra
The Navkar Mantra is a seven-line prayer that salutes and seeks blessings from five supreme beings in Jainism. These beings include the Arhats (enlightened beings or Tirthankaras), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Upadhyayas (teachers), and Sadhu (monks or ascetics).
The mantra goes as follows:
“Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sahaunam, Eso Pancha Namukkaro, Saava Paavappanasano, Mangalanam cha Saavesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam"
Namo Arihantanam – Salutations to the Arihants, the enlightened beings who have attained perfect knowledge and bliss.
Namo Siddhanam – Salutations to the Siddhas, the liberated souls who have achieved nirvana.
Namo Ayariyanam – Salutations to the Acharyas, the spiritual teachers who guide others on the path to liberation.
Namo Uvajjayanam – Salutations to the Upadhyayas, the teachers who impart knowledge and wisdom.
Namo Loe Savva Sahaunam – Salutations to all the saints and monks in the world who practise self-discipline and strive for spiritual advancement.
Eso Pancha Namukkaro – These five salutations.
Saava Paavappanasano – Destroy all the sins.
Mangalanam cha Saavesim – Of all that is auspicious mantras.
Padhamam Havai Mangalam – This is the highest
The seven lines of the mantra reflect the core of Jain philosophy: reverence for those who have attained spiritual purity and the recognition of the path to enlightenment and liberation.
Benefits of Navkar Mantra
The Navkar Mantra offers several spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits for those who practice it sincerely:
- Spiritual Upliftment: The mantra connects individuals with the highest spiritual beings in Jainism, helping to purify the mind and soul. By chanting it, a devotee aligns themselves with the divine principles of non-violence, truth, and detachment.
- Mental Peace and Focus: Regular recitation of the Navkar Mantra helps in calming the mind and reducing stress. Its rhythmic sound creates a sense of peace, which enhances concentration and emotional stability.
- Path to Liberation (Moksha): In Jainism, the ultimate goal is to achieve Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The Navkar Mantra is believed to assist practitioners in this process by invoking the blessings of the Tirthankaras and Siddhas, who provide guidance toward enlightenment.
- Purification of Karmas: According to Jain beliefs, every action creates karma, which affects the soul's progress toward liberation. Chanting the Navkar Mantra is said to help reduce the accumulation of negative karmas and purify the soul.
- Protects Against Negative Influences: Many followers of Jainism believe that chanting the Navkar Mantra offers protection from external negative energies and harmful influences, creating a shield of spiritual positivity around the individual.
