Navkar Akshar Tap Aradhana is a special spiritual practice in Jainism that involves devotion and austerity centered around the Navkar Mantra and its individual syllables ("akshar"). This sadhana is believed to purify the soul, accumulate merit (punya), and help remove karmic bondage.

Here is a general guide on how to perform Navkar Akshar Tap Aradhana:

1. Preparation

• Purity: Take a bath and wear clean (preferably white) clothes.
• Place: Choose a quiet, clean place for your sadhana.
• Intent: Sit with a pure heart, with the intention of spiritual upliftment and self-purification.

2. Setting the Resolve (Sankalp)

• Decide the number of repetitions or duration for your Aradhana (e.g., 1, 3, 7, or 9 days; or as guided by a Jain monk or teacher).
• Take a vow of partial fasting (upvaas, ekasana, or chauvihar as per your capacity) if you wish to add austerity.

3. Navkar Akshar Tap Process

• The Navkar Mantra has 68 syllables. In Navkar Akshar Tap, each syllable is recited and meditated upon separately.
• For each syllable (akshar), recite the entire Navkar Mantra, dedicating the recitation to that specific syllable.
• Traditionally, one would recite the Navkar Mantra 68 times for each syllable, moving sequentially through all 68 syllables.

- For example, for the first syllable "N", recite the full Navkar Mantra 68 times, focusing on "N". - Then move to the next syllable "A", again recite 68 times focusing on "A", and so on.

• Some traditions do 108 times per syllable, or as guided by your spiritual mentor.

4. Contemplation and Repentance

• After completing the recitations for all syllables, spend a few moments in silent contemplation of the qualities of the Panch Parmesthi (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu).
• Practice pratikraman (repentance for any faults during the Aradhana).

5. Closing

• Conclude with prayers for well-being of all souls (sarva mangal, kshamapana).
• Dedicate the merit (punya) to all living beings.

Notes:

• The exact procedure may vary by sect (Shwetambar, Digambar, Sthanakvasi) and local tradition.
• It is ideal to learn the detailed method from a Jain monk (Sadhu/Sadhvi) or a knowledgeable layperson (Shravak/Shravika).
• Maintain strict observance of non-violence, truth, and other Jain vows throughout the Aradhana.

Summary Table for Navkar Akshar Tap:

| Step | Action | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Preparation | Purity, clean place, right intent | | Sankalp | Decide duration/number, take any vows of fasting | | Recitation | For each syllable, recite Navkar Mantra (68 or 108 times) | | Contemplation| Reflect on Panch Parmesthi, practice pratikraman | | Closing | Pray and dedicate merit to all beings |

If you wish to know the specific syllables or have a guidebook (paat), you can refer to Jain prayer books or seek guidance from a Jain temple or community elder.

May your Aradhana be fruitful and bring you closer to liberation (moksha)!