Jain Navkar Mantra | Namokar Mantra

Jain Navkar Mantra | Namokar Mantra

The Navkar Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time.

While reciting the Navkar Mantra, we are bowing down with respect to Arihantas (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly process), Siddhas (liberated souls), Ächäryäs (heads of sadhus and sadhvis), Upädhyäyas (those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis), Sädhus (monks, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships) and Sädhvis (nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships). Collectively, they are called Panch Parmesthi (five supreme spiritual people).
In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person; therefore, this Mantra is not named after Lord Mahavir, Lord Parshvanath or Adinath, etc. When we recite Navkar Mantra it, also reminds us that, we need to be like them.

This mantra is also called Namaskär or Namokär Mantra because we are bowing down.
The Navkär Mantra contains the main message of Jainism. The message is very clear. If we want to be liberated from this world then we have to take the first step of renunciation by becoming a monk or a nun. This is the beginning. If we stay on the right path then we will proceed to a higher state, Arihant, and ultimately proceed to Siddha after nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The goal of every Jain is, or should be, to become a siddha.

This is the most sacred mantra among the Jains, this is recited during spiritual (and also otherwise) gatherings in the beginning. This mantra is a bowing (or paying respects to) Arihants (those who have no enemies; those who have ended attachment and aversions), Siddhas (perfected ones), Acharyas (spiritual leaders, teachers), Teachers and all monks. This Maha Mantra is one of the oldest mantras, this mantra was found on 162 BC Hathigumpha inscription. Recitation of this Mantra helps one remember that the most important goal of life is to achieve liberation from the non-reality. This mantra which offers respect to the great ones also reminds one of their qualities, thus keeping one focused on the path. Namokar in prakrit is equal to namaskar as used in current time, which means to show respect or greet with respect.

Listening and chanting along Namokar Mantra also variously referred to as the Navakar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism.