Chattari Mangalam – The Four Auspicious Prayers of Jainism

This chant is one of the most essential daily recitations for Jains, often called the 'Chattari Mangalam' (Four Auspicious Ones). It is recited at the start of rituals, meditation, or any important task to invoke blessings and set a pure intention.

Unlike the more familiar Namokar Mantra (which honors five supreme beings), this prayer focuses on just four: perfected beings (Arhat), liberated souls (Siddha), ascetics (Sadhu), and the eternal truth of the dharma taught by omniscient ones (Kevali). This condensed version is especially common in the Svetambara Jain tradition.

The text repeats the same four entities with three different attributes: they are auspicious (mangalam), supreme in the world (loguttama), and worthy as a refuge (saranam). This triple structure reinforces the idea that these four pillars are both holy, highest, and the ultimate shelter for spiritual seekers.

The verses are composed in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, the ancient language spoken by Lord Mahavira and adopted for early Jain scriptures. While Sanskrit was used later for commentaries, using Prakrit helps preserve the original feel and sacred sound of the teachings.

'Kevli Pannatto Dhammo' refers to the dharma (truth or path of righteousness) as proclaimed by the Kevali (omniscient beings). This highlights that the teachings come directly from those who have achieved total knowledge, making them authoritative and complete.