In Jain tradition there is a beautiful symbolic connection between the Navkar Mantra and the lotus:

1. Lotus as a symbol of purity (like the Panch Parameshti)

• The lotus grows in muddy water, yet remains unstained and pure.
• In the same way, the five beings of the Navkar Mantra (Panch Parameshti) —

Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu — live (or have lived) in the world, but stay free from inner “mud” like anger, pride, deceit, greed.

• So, many Jain artists and shravaks use the lotus as a base or seat (padmāsan) for Arihant/Siddha images and for Navkar Mantra yantras.

2. Lotus posture while chanting Navkar

• Sitting in padmāsan (lotus posture) is very common for:

- Navkar Mantra jap (repetition), - samayik and meditation.

• Idea: body steady like a lotus, mind turned inward and pure, remembering the qualities of the Panch Parameshti.

3. Lotus in Jain yantra and art

• In many Jain temples, books, and yantras you will see:

- Navkar Mantra written in the center - and lotus petals drawn around it.

• Meaning: the mantra is the purest, most auspicious (param maṅgal) center, and all pure virtues blossom from it like petals.

4. Spiritual message

Connecting Navkar Mantra with the lotus silently teaches:

• Live in the world, but stay untouched by passions (like lotus by mud).
• Let the virtues of Arihant, Siddha, etc. “blossom” in you.
• Chant Navkar with such bhāva that your own soul becomes like a white lotus — clean, peaceful, and radiant.

You can read a simple explanation of Navkar Mantra and its meaning here