Navanu is a significant Jain spiritual practice, especially popular among Shwetambar Jains. It is a form of atonement (pratikraman) and prayer, believed to purify the soul by seeking forgiveness from the Arihantas (enlightened beings), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus (monks and nuns). Here is a detailed explanation of how Navanu is performed:

Meaning of Navanu

• "Navanu" in Gujarati/Hindi means "99".
• In this practice, a special prayer (strotra or mantra) is recited 99 times.

When is Navanu performed?

• Navanu is generally performed to seek atonement for a specific sin or to fulfill a spiritual vow.
• People may do it for spiritual upliftment, penance, or during special occasions like Paryushan, or when wishing for a specific spiritual benefit.

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Step-by-Step Process of Doing Navanu

1. Preparation

• Choose a clean and quiet place for the practice.
• Take a bath if possible, wear clean clothes, and sit facing North or East.
• Maintain a pure mind and intention for spiritual upliftment and repentance.

2. Samayik (Mental Preparation)

• Sit in a meditative posture (padmasana or sukhasana).
• Recite the Namokar Mantra (Navkar Mantra) or do pratikraman to purify the mind.
• Take a vow (Niyam) that you are performing Navanu with devotion and concentration.

3. Recitation

• The main part of Navanu is the recitation of a particular mantra, usually the Navkar Mantra or Khamasaman prayer, 99 times.
• Some people recite the Khamasamana (forgiveness prayer), while others recite the Navkar Mantra.
• Keep count using a rosary (mala) or by making marks on a paper or using small objects (like grains).

4. Procedure

• Sit in one place without much movement, maintaining silence and focus.
• Recite the selected mantra (commonly the Navkar Mantra) 99 times, with each recitation being clear and heartfelt.
• After each recitation, you may bow or mentally pay respect to the five supreme beings (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu).
• If possible, perform Khamasamana (prostration) after each recitation, or as per your physical ability (some do it after every 11, 33, or all 99 recitations).

5. Completion

• After finishing all 99 recitations, express gratitude to the Tirthankaras and all Jain Gurus.
• Offer prayers for forgiveness for any mistakes during the practice.
• Take a resolve to avoid wrongdoing and follow the path of Ahimsa, Satya, and other Jain virtues.

6. General Notes

• Some people perform Navanu for 9 consecutive days (Navanu tap), reciting 99 times each day.
• Others do it in one sitting.
• The practice can also be combined with fasting (upvas) for greater spiritual benefit.

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Common Mantras Used in Navanu

1. Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra)

``` Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva Sahunam Eso Panch Namokaro Savva Pava Panasano Manglanam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam ```

1. Khamasamana (Forgiveness Prayer)

- "Micchami Dukkadam" and other forgiveness verses.

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Benefits of Navanu

• Purifies the mind and soul.
• Atonement for past sins (Pratikraman).
• Cultivates humility, devotion, and discipline.
• Brings spiritual peace and progress on the path to Moksha (liberation).

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Summary Table

| Step | Action | |--------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Preparation | Clean place, clean mind, intention | | Samayik | Meditative posture, Navkar recitation | | Recitation | Navkar/Khamasamana recited 99 times | | Counting | Mala, grains, or paper | | Completion | Gratitude, vow to avoid wrongdoing |

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If you have a specific variation (e.g., with fasting, for 9 days, etc.) or want the text of a particular mantra, let me know!