Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra) – simple meaning

Original (Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit):

• Namo Arihantāṇam
• Namo Siddhāṇam
• Namo Āyariyāṇam
• Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam
• Namo Loe Savva Sāhūṇam

Line-by-line meaning (arth):

• Namo Arihantāṇam: I bow to the Arihants – living perfected beings who have conquered inner enemies like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• Namo Siddhāṇam: I bow to the Siddhas – liberated souls who have attained moksha and are free from all karma.
• Namo Āyariyāṇam: I bow to the Āchāryas – heads of the Jain monastic order who guide the path.
• Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam: I bow to the Upādhyāyas – those who teach the scriptures and spiritual discipline.
• Namo Loe Savva Sāhūṇam: I bow to all Sādhus and Sādhvīs – all monks and nuns following the vows, everywhere.

Essence:

• This is a pure salutation to the five supreme beings (Pañcha-Parameṣṭhi). It does not ask for worldly favors; it honors the highest spiritual qualities. Chanting it cultivates humility, peace, and merit, and inspires us to walk the path of self-purification as shown by these ideals.

Notes on traditions:

• Both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions accept this mantra. Minor differences are only in pronunciation/spelling (for example, “Uvajjhāyāṇam” vs “Uvazzāyāṇaṃ,” “Loe” vs “Logo”), but the meaning and reverence remain the same.

Purpose in daily life:

• Beginning the day or any activity with Navkar Mantra is considered auspicious, helps calm the mind, and reminds us to align our conduct with the virtues of the Pañcha-Parameṣṭhi.