“Ananupurvi” is a Jain technical term.

Breakup of the word:

• Anu‑purvi / Anupurvi = going step‑by‑step in a regular sequence or order
• A‑nanupurvi / Ananupurvi = not in that regular sequence, i.e. non‑sequential, not in fixed order

In Jain usage it appears mainly in two ways:

1. In philosophy (dravya / pudgala discussion)

- Certain very subtle forms of matter (pudgala) are described as ananupurvi dravya – their existence or extension is such that it cannot be described as a regular, step‑by‑step spatial sequence. - In simple words: here ananupurvi means “not spread out in an ordered series of space‑points”.

1. In Navkār Mantra jap (devotional practice)

- Anupurvi jap = chanting Navkār in the normal fixed order (Namo Arihantāṇam, then Namo Siddhāṇam, etc.). - Ananupurvi jap = chanting the same Navkār padas in changing, non‑fixed patterns, often using numbers or special tables/yantras. - Purpose: to keep the mind alert and concentrated, so jap does not become mechanical.

So in short: Ananupurvi = a state or method where there is no fixed step‑by‑step sequence (non‑sequential order), used both in subtle philosophical description and in special forms of Navkār mantra chanting.