Namokar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र)
Namokar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र) is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. While praying by reciting this mantra, the devotee bows with respect to Arihantas, Siddhas, spiritual leaders (Acharyas), teachers (Upadyayas) and all the monks. This worship the virtues of all the supreme spiritual people instead of just worshipping one particular person. It is important to note that the Navkar Mantra does not mention the names of even Tirthankaras and Siddhas. At the time of recitation, a Jain devotee remembers their virtues and trys to emulate them. In this mantra we the Jains bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities, and therefore, it is also called Namokar Mantra.
Namokâr Mantra, also called the Navakâr Mantra or the Namaskâr Mantra, is the most important mantra used in Jainism.
| Namo Arihantânam | I bow to the Arihantâs (Prophets). |
| Namo Siddhânam | I bow to the Siddhâs (Liberated Souls). |
| Namo Âyariyânam | I bow to the Âchâryas (Preceptors or Spiritual Leaders). |
| Namo Uvajjhâyanam | I bow to the Upadhyâya (Teachers). |
| Namo Loe Savva Sahûnam | I bow to all the Sadhûs (Saints). |
| Eso Panch Namokkaro, Savva Pâvappanâsano Mangalanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam | This fivefold bow (mantra) destroys all sins and obstacles and of all auspicious mantras, is the first and foremost one. |
In this mantra, we the Jains salute the virtues of the Pancha Parmeshtin, or five spiritual masters :: the Arihantas, Siddhas, Âchâryas, Upadhyâyas, and normal monks. We do not pray to a specific Tirthankara or monk by name. By saluting them, we believe we receive the inspiration from them for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the karma of their soul. We do not ask for any favors or material benefits from the Tirthankaras or from sâdhus and sâdhvis. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings we believe are more spiritually advanced and to remind followers of the Jain religion of their ultimate goal of nirvana or moksha.
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