Namokar Mantra
The Supreme Jain Prayer of Reverence
The most fundamental Jain prayer, offering reverence to the five supreme spiritual beings: Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus.
Verses
I bow with reverence to the Arihants, the enlightened beings who have conquered their inner passions.
Verse 1
I bow with reverence to the Siddhas, the perfected souls who have attained liberation.
Verse 2
I bow with reverence to the Acharyas, the spiritual leaders who guide the path of righteousness.
Verse 3
I bow with reverence to the Upadhyayas, the preceptors who teach the sacred scriptures.
Verse 4
I bow with reverence to all the Sadhus and Sadhvis in the world, the ascetics who follow the path of virtue.
Verse 5
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
The Namokar Mantra, also known as the Navkar Mantra, is a central devotional text in Jain tradition. It is recited daily by Jains worldwide during morning and evening prayers, meditation, and before important activities. Its earliest known canonical reference appears in the Bhagavati Sutra (also called the Vyakhyaprajnapti Sutra, Ang 5 of the Jain Agama canon), with the Dashavaikalika Sutra also referring to a concluding Namaskar Mangala. Unlike prayers that invoke a specific deity, this mantra expresses deep respect and reverence for the highest spiritual qualities attained by these five categories of souls, embodying the Jain principles of non-attachment and universal respect.
Did You Know?
Language and Origin
The verses are in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, the ancient language of Jain scriptures. This prayer, known as the Namokar or Navkar Mantra, is the most fundamental and widely recited mantra in Jainism, spoken daily by millions around the world.
Structure — Five Lines, Five Supreme Beings
Each line honors a different category of enlightened souls: Arihant (those who have conquered inner passions and will attain liberation), Siddha (fully liberated beings), Acharya (spiritual leaders), Upadhyaya (preceptors), and Sadhu (all monks and nuns). Together they are called the Panch Parmeshthi.
No Petition, Only Reverence
Unlike many prayers that ask for favors, this mantra simply expresses profound respect. It does not request wealth, health, or protection — the act of bowing itself is believed to purify the mind and reduce ego.
Inclusiveness in the Final Line
The last line "Namo loe savva sahunam" (I bow to all monks and nuns in the world) makes the prayer universal, extending honor to every ascetic, regardless of sect or tradition within Jainism.
Used at Every Auspicious Moment
Jains recite this mantra at the start of any important activity — meditation, meals, festivals like Paryushana, and even daily routines. It is considered the most powerful and protective mantra, often chanted to calm the mind and create positive vibrations.
Mahavira
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