Answer

Navkarsi in Jain Dharma refers to the practice of taking food or water only after a fixed time after sunrise, traditionally after completing the proper morning spiritual discipline.

The “Navkarsi prayer” usually refers to the devotional remembrance and prayer done before ending the Navkarsi vow and taking food or water.

Explanation

In Jain practice:

• Navkarsi means one observes restraint from food and water for a specific period after sunrise.
• Before eating or drinking, one remembers the Navkar Mantra and offers respectful devotion to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus.
• The purpose is not merely delaying food, but beginning the day with self-control, awareness, and devotion.

The most important prayer connected with Navkarsi is the Navkar Mantra:

णमो अरिहंताणं
णमो सिद्धाणं
णमो आयरियाणं
णमो उवज्झायाणं
णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं

Meaning

• I bow to the Arihants.
• I bow to the Siddhas.
• I bow to the Acharyas.
• I bow to the Upadhyays.
• I bow to all Sadhus in the world.

Spiritual Understanding

Navkarsi teaches:

• Sanyam — self-restraint
• Bhakti — devotion
• Jagruti — spiritual awareness
• Ahimsa — carefulness in daily living

It helps a person begin the day by remembering the Panch Parmesthi and controlling attachment to taste and bodily desire.

Takeaway

Navkarsi is a Jain practice of morning restraint, and its prayer is centered on remembering the sacred Navkar Mantra with devotion before taking food or water.