What are Navsmaran sutras
In Jainism, the Navsmaran Sutras (sometimes called Navakar Mantra or Navkar Mantra) refer to a set of sutras or verses that pay homage to the nine supreme entities or aspects. "Nav" means nine, and "smaran" means remembrance or recitation. The most significant among them is the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra), which is the most fundamental and revered prayer in Jainism.
The Navkar Mantra: This mantra does not ask for favors, material benefits, or blessings, but offers deep respect to the five supreme beings:
- Arihantas – the souls who have conquered inner passions and attained omniscience.
- Siddhas – liberated souls who have achieved moksha.
- Acharyas – heads of the Jain congregation.
- Upadhyayas – spiritual teachers and preceptors.
- Sadhus/Sadhvis – monks and nuns who practice self-discipline.
The Navkar Mantra in Prakrit: ``` णमो अरिहंताणं णमो सिद्धाणं णमो आयरियाणं णमो उवज्जायाणं णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं ``` Transliteration: ``` Namo Arihantāṇam Namo Siddhāṇam Namo Āyariyāṇam Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam Namo Loe Savva Sāhūṇam ``` Meaning:
- I bow to the Arihants (perfect souls)
- I bow to the Siddhas (liberated souls)
- I bow to the Acharyas (spiritual leaders)
- I bow to the Upadhyayas (spiritual teachers)
- I bow to all the Sadhus and Sadhvis (saints and monks) in the world
Navsmaran Sutras (Nine Remembrances): In some traditions, "Navsmaran Sutras" can refer to a set of nine important sutras or prayers that are recited regularly by Jains, especially in the mornings. The Navkar Mantra is the foremost among them, and the others typically include prayers such as:
- Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra)
- Icchakara Sutra
- Khamasamano Sutra
- Chattari Mangalam
- Mangalik
- Jinvani
- Tikkhutto Sutra
- Mangal Patha
- Logassa Sutra
These vary slightly by tradition (Shwetambar or Digambar), but the core idea remains: these sutras are recited for spiritual purification, seeking forgiveness, and expressing devotion.
In Summary: Navsmaran Sutras refer to the nine main prayers or sutras in Jainism, with the Navkar Mantra being the most important. They are recited for spiritual upliftment and to remember the supreme beings and virtues in Jainism.