Jain stavan means devotional hymns (stutis) that express reverence to the Tirthankaras, siddhas, and the true path. They come in many forms across Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, and the exact verses can vary by tradition.

A widely recited Jain stavan with its original verses is the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra). It is considered fundamental and is often chanted at the start of daily prayers.

Navkar Mantra (original text) Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Ulakhajanam Namo Loe Savioranam Eseve Loye Maha Bhayankar

Meaning (arth)

• I bow to the Arihantas (enlightened beings who have conquered inner passions).
• I bow to the Siddhas (liberated beings).
• I bow to the Arhats (perfect beings who have achieved true knowledge).
• I bow to the Tirthankaras (the ford-makers who show the path).
• I bow to the Jain monks and nuns who follow the path.
• I bow to all the beings who have attained right faith and progress on the spiritual journey.

Notes

• The Navkar Mantra is respected across major Jain sects, but some wording and emphasis can differ slightly between Digambar and Shwetambar communities.
• There are many other stavan texts in Jain literature, including shorter prayers, bhajans, and longer stotras dedicated to specific Tirthankaras or spiritual qualities. If you have a particular stavan in mind (for example a hymn dedicated to a specific Tirthankara or a region/tradition), tell me its name and I can provide the exact verses and their meanings.

If you want lyrics for a different Jain stavan, tell me its name (for example the specific stotra or stavan you’ve heard), and I’ll share the authentic verses and explain their meaning in a straightforward Jain-historical context.