Namokar Mantra

Ṇamōkāra mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism.[1][2] This is the first Namokar Mantra prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. The mantra is also variously referred to as the Pancha Namaskāra Mantra, Navakāra Mantra or Namaskāra Mantra. While reciting this mantra, the devotee bows with respect to the Panch Parameshti (the Supreme Five):

Arihant— Those who have destroyed the four inimicalkarmas Siddha — The liberated souls Acharyas — The spiritual leaders or Preceptors Upadhayaya — Preceptor of less advanced ascetics[3] Sādhu — The monks or sages in the world There is no mention of any particular names of the gods or any specific person. The prayer is done towards the guṇa (the good qualities) of the gods, teachers and the saints. Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits from the tirthankaras or monastics. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings whom they believe are spiritually evolved, as well as to remind the people of their ultimate goal i.e. moksha (liberation).[4] Navkar Mantra consists of 35 letters.

Ṇamōkāra mantra Contents Information Religion Jainism History Language Prakrit The Ṇamōkāra Mantra Meditation See also References Sources

History

A 162 BCE inscription, the Hathigumpha inscription starts with the Namokar Mantra. It was inscribed by the Jain monarchKharavela .[5][6]

The Ṇamōkāra Mantra

Hathigumpha inscription by King Khāravela at Udayagiri Hills Prakrit English Meaning

णमो अरहंताणं Ṇamō Arihantāṇaṁ I bow to the Arihants, the Conquerors.[7]

णमो िसाणं Ṇamō Siddhāṇaṁ I bow to the Siddhas.

णमो आयरयाणं Ṇamō Ayariyāṇaṁ I bow to the Acharyas.

णमो उवझायाणं Ṇamō Uvajjhāyāṇaṁ I bow to the Upadhyayas.

णमो लोए सव साहू णं Ṇamō Lōē Savva Sāhūṇaṁ I bow to all the Sages of the world.

एसोपंचणमोकारो, Ēsōpan̄caṇamōkkārō, This five-fold salutation completely destroys all सवपावपणासणो savvapāvappaṇāsaṇō the sins.

मंगला णं च सवेिसं, Maṅgalā ṇaṁ ca savvēsiṁ, And, of all auspicious mantras, (it) is indeed the पडमम हवई मंगलं paḍamama havaī maṅgalaṁ foremost auspicious one.

Meditation

According to Dravyasaṃgraha, a major Jain text:

Meditate on, recite or chant the sacred mantras, consisting of thirty- five, sixteen, six, five, four, two and one letter(s), pronouncing the virtues of the five supreme beings (Pañca-Parameṣṭhi). Besides, meditate on and chant other mantras as per the teachings of the Preceptor (guru).[8]

See also

God in Jainism Obeisance to Pañca-Parameṣṭhi Bhaktamara Stotra (five supreme beings)

References

1. Voorst 2015, p. 107. 2. Jaina, Ravīndrakumāra and Kusuma Jaina (1993).A Scientific Treatise on Great Namokar Mantra. Delhi: Arihant International, Keladevi Sumatiprasad Trust. ISBN 81-7277-029-4. 3. Jain 1917, p. 61. 4. Shah, Natubhai (1998). Jainism: The World of Conquerors. Sussex Academic Press.ISBN 1-898723-31-1. 5. Rapson, "Catalogue of the Indian coins of the British Museum. Andhras etc...", p XVII. 6. Full text of the Hathigumpha Inscription in English (http://www.mssu.edu/projectsouthasia/HISTORY/PRIMARYDOC S/EPIGRAPHY/HathigumphaInscription.htm) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20061117151339/http://www.ms su.edu/projectsouthasia/HISTORY/PRIMARYDOCS/EPIGRAPHY/HathigumphaInscription.htm) 17 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine. 7. Jain, Yogendra (2007). Jain Way of Life - A Guide to Compassionate, Healthy and Happy Living. Boston, MA: JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations of North America). p. 6.ISBN 978-0-9773178-5-1. 8. Jain 2013, p. 173.

Sources

Voorst, Robert E. Van (2015), RELG: World (Second ed.), Cengage Learning,ISBN 978-1-285-43468-1 Jain, Vijay K. (2013), Ācārya Nemichandra's Dravyasaṃgraha, Vikalp Printers, ISBN 9788190363952, "Non- copyright" Jain, Champat Rai (1917), The Ratna Karanda Sravakachara, The Central Jaina Publishing House

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