Short answer: You can listen to Bhaktamar anytime—with devotion and attention. There is no “forbidden” time in Jain Dharma. Still, our acharyas and tradition suggest some especially auspicious ways and times to benefit more.

Best times (anukūl mahurats)

• Brahma-muhūrta: about 1.5 hours before sunrise, after bath and before starting the day.
• Morning after Snātra-pūjā or daily darshan.
• Sandhyā (sunset time) or right after evening pratikraman.
• During special sādhanā periods like Paryushan, Ayambil Oli, and on tithis such as Poonam/Ashtami—optional, not mandatory.

Place, posture, and bhāv

• Sit in a clean, quiet place, ideally facing the Jina idol or a pure image; use an āsan; keep the body steady and mind calm.
• Begin with Namokār Mantra and end with kṣamā-yāchanā (asking forgiveness).
• Listen attentively; avoid multitasking. Slow, clear audio is better than fast tunes.

When to avoid or pause

• While eating, lying down, driving, or in the restroom.
• When the place or body is not clean. If there is any household “aśuchi” observance, follow your family/guru-maryādā; otherwise, inner purity (śubha-bhāv) is primary.

Listening vs. reciting

• Both are auspicious. If you cannot recite, listening with full concentration is also meritorious. Chanting with correct pronunciation is traditionally considered stronger, but bhakti and steadiness of mind matter most.

Sect notes (Digambar/Śvetāmbara)

• Digambar tradition commonly uses 48 verses; Śvetāmbara often uses 44. The timing and manner of listening are the same in both; keep devotion to Bhagwān Ṛṣabhadeva central.

More on the stotra’s traditional importance

• Story and significance of Achārya Mānatunga and the power of Bhaktamar: