Can we chant reverse jain navkar Mantra
No. In Jain practice there is no tradition of chanting the Navkar Mantra in reverse order. The Navkar Mantra is chanted in a fixed order to pay respect to the beings in a specific progression, from the most revered to the humble.
Core form (transliteration) and meaning:
- Namo Arihantanam — salutations to Arihants (those who have conquered inner enemies and attained kevala jnana)
- Namo Siddhanam — salutations to Siddhas (liberated souls)
- Namo Ayariyanam — salutations to Acharyas (spiritual preceptors who lead the Jain sangha)
- Namo Uvajjhayanam — salutations to Upadhyayas (teachers/researchers of Jain scriptures)
- Namo Loe Savva Sahunam — salutations to all Sadhus (monks and nuns)
Meaning: these fivefold salutations acknowledge and revere the fivefold spiritual categories in Jain tradition, and the mantra is chanted in that order as a gesture of humility and reverence.
About Digambar and Shwetambar traditions:
- The core Navkar Mantra and its order are shared across both traditions. There can be minor allusions or ancillary prayers that differ in some practice details, but the foundational fivefold reverence remains the same.
If you’re ever unsure about a chant or its exact wording in your tradition, it’s best to consult your local Jain teacher or temple authority who can confirm the version used in your sangha.