Answer

In Jain Dharma, it is traditionally believed that sincere repentance, Kayotsarga, and recitation of the Navkar Mantra can destroy or shed sinful karmas when done with true inner purity.

However, it should not be understood mechanically as: “20 minutes of Kayotsarga and 160 Navkars automatically remove all sins of one year.”

The real effect depends on:

• sincere repentance,
• awareness of one’s mistakes,
• humility,
• forgiveness,
• resolve not to repeat the wrong actions,
• purity of mind, speech, and body.

Explanation

In Jainism, karma is not removed simply by counting time or number of recitations. External practice is important, but inner feeling — bhav — is more important.

Kayotsarga means giving up attachment to the body and remaining in awareness of the soul. The Navkar Mantra is the most sacred Jain mantra because it bows to the pure qualities of Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus.

When someone performs Kayotsarga and Navkar with deep repentance, concentration, and right intention, it becomes a powerful spiritual practice for reducing and shedding karmic bondage.

But if it is done only as a ritual count, without remorse or transformation, its spiritual effect is limited.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that karma is shed through:

• Pratikraman — repentance for faults,
• Pratyakhyan — resolve not to repeat them,
• Kayotsarga — detachment from the body,
• Tap — austerity,
• Samyag Darshan — right faith,
• Samyak Charitra — right conduct.

So, the number “160 Navkars” and “20 minutes” may be part of a traditional practice or instruction, but the deeper purpose is inner purification, not a guaranteed mathematical cancellation of karma.

Takeaway

Yes, Kayotsarga and Navkar can greatly help in shedding sinful karmas, but only when done with sincere repentance, devotion, awareness, and a real effort to change one’s conduct. In Jain Dharma, purity of bhav is more important than mere counting.