Namokar Mahamantra
णमो अरिहंताणं
णमो सिद्धाणं
णमो आयरियाणं
णमो उवज्झायणं
णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं
एसो पंच णमोक्कारो, सव्व पावप्प णासणो
मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पडमम हवई मंगलं
Namokar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र), also called the Navakâr Mantra or the Namaskâr Mantra is the fundamental and most recited prayer/mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. In this mantra, we salute the virtues of the Pancha Parmeshthi, or five spiritual masters: the Arihantas, Siddhas, Âchâryas, Upadhyâyas, and Sadhus (normal monks). By saluting them we receive the inspiration from them for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the karma of our soul. Through this mantra we 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. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings that are more spiritually advanced and to remind followers of the Jain religion of their ultimate goal of nirvana or moksha. In this mantra we bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities, and therefore, it is also called Namokar Mantra.
Namo Arihantânam |
I bow in reverence to the Arihantâs (Prophets). |
Namo Siddhânam |
I bow in reverence to the Siddhâs (Liberated Souls). |
Namo Âyariyânam |
I bow in reverence to the Âchâryas (Preceptors or Spiritual Leaders). |
Namo Uvajjhâyanam |
I bow in reverence to the Upadhyâya (Teachers). |
Namo Loe Savva Sahûnam |
I bow in reverence 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. |