Maha Mantra

Namokar Maha Mantra

णमोकार महामंत्र

The essence of Jainism. A universal prayer bowing not to a specific person, but to the virtues of the five supreme spiritual beings (Panch Parameshti).

The Five Salutations

Understanding the Panch Parameshti

णमो अरिहंताणं
Namo Arihantanam

I bow to the Arihantas.
The destroyers of inner enemies (anger, ego, deceit, greed). They have attained Kevaljnan (Omniscience) and preach the path of liberation while still in a human body.

णमो सिद्धाणं
Namo Siddhanam

I bow to the Siddhas.
The liberated souls who have completely ended the cycle of birth and death. They reside in Siddhashila at the top of the universe and possess infinite bliss.

णमो आयरियाणं
Namo Ayariyanam

I bow to the Acharyas.
The spiritual leaders and heads of the monastic order. They master the scriptures, observe strict conduct, and guide the Sangh (community).

णमो उवज्झायाणं
Namo Uvajjhayanam

I bow to the Upadhyayas.
The preceptors or teachers of the scriptures. They have acquired special knowledge of the Agams and teach them to other monks and nuns.

णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं
Namo Loye Savva Sahunam

I bow to all Sadhus and Sadhvis.
All monks and nuns in the universe who have renounced worldly life and are traversing the path of liberation by practicing the five great vows (Mahavratas).

एसो पंच णमोक्कारो, सव्व पावप्पणासणो।
मंगला णं च सव्वेसिं, पढमं हवई मंगलं॥

"Eso Panch Namoyaro, Savva Pavappanasano
Mangalanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam"

"This five-fold salutation destroys all sins.
And amongst all auspicious things, it is the most auspicious one."

Mantra FAQs

Understanding the power of Navkar.

Jainism emphasizes virtues over individuals. By bowing to the Panch Parameshti (five supreme states of the soul), we worship the qualities of purity, knowledge, and detachment, rather than a specific person. This makes the mantra universal and eternal.

Arihantas are enlightened souls who have destroyed their four *Ghati* (destructive) karmas. They have conquered inner enemies like anger and ego. Tirthankaras are a special type of Arihanta who re-establish the religious order.

Reciting this mantra with devotion helps in destroying past sins (*Savva Pavappanasano*), calms the mind, reduces ego, and inspires the soul to walk on the path of liberation. It is considered the first and foremost auspiciousness (*Padhamam Havai Mangalam*).