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Namokar Mantra

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Namokar Mantra

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

  • Those who have cleared their ghati (inimical) karmas (arihants)
  • The fully liberated souls (siddhas)
  • The spiritual leaders or Preceptors (acharyas)
  • The teachers (upajjhayas)
  • 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 ahead, as well as to remind the people of their ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).[2]

Digambaras and Sthānakavāsīs regard the first five lines as the main mantra. The following two lines are meant to explain the benefit of reciting the mantra.

Contents

  • History 1
  • The Ṇamōkāra Mantra 2
  • References 3
  • External links 4
  • See also 5

History

Hathigumpha inscription by King Khāravela at Udayagiri Hills

A 162 BCE inscription, the Hathigumpha inscription starts with the Namokar Mantra. It was inscribed by the Jain monarch Kharavela.[3][4]

The Ṇamōkāra Mantra

Ṇamō Arihantāṇaṁ I bow to the Arihants, the Conquerors.[5] मैं अरिहंतों को नमन करता हूँ ।
Ṇamō Siddhāṇaṁ I bow to the Siddhas. मैं सिद्धों को नमन करता हूँ ।
Ṇamō Ayariyāṇaṁ I bow to the Acharyas. मैं आचार्यो को नमन करता हूँ ।
Ṇamō Uvajjhāyāṇaṁ I bow to the Upadhyayas. मैं उपाध्याओ को नमन करता हूँ ।
Ṇamō Lōē Savva Sāhūṇaṁ I bow to all the Sages of the world. मैं लोक (जगत्) के सर्व साधुओ को नमन करता हूँ ।
Ēsōpan̄caṇamōkkārō, savvapāvappaṇāsaṇō This five-fold salutation completely destroys all the sins. ये पाँच नमन के उच्चार, सभी पापो का पूरा नाश करते हैं ।
Maṅgalā ṇaṁ ca savvēsiṁ, paḍamama havaī maṅgalaṁ And, of all auspicious mantras, (it) is indeed the foremost auspicious one. और, सभी मंगलों में, यह बिलकुल प्रथम मंगल हैं ।

References

  1. ^ Jaina, Ravīndrakumāra and Kusuma Jaina (1993). A Scientific Treatise on Great Namokar Mantra. Delhi: Arihant International, Keladevi Sumatiprasad Trust.  
  2. ^ Shah, Natubhai (1998). Jainism: The World of Conquerors. Sussex Academic Press.  
  3. ^ Rapson, "Catalogue of the Indian coins of the British Museum. Andhras etc...", p XVII.
  4. ^ Full text of the Hathigumpha Inscription in English
  5. ^ 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.  

External links

  • Namokar Mantra, Maha Mantra
  • Navkar Mantra , Audio

See also

Deities
Tirthankara
Others
Philosophy
Branches
Śvētāmbara
Digambara
Practices
Symbols
Scholars
Community
Jainism in
India
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