________________ Chapter 02 - Pancha Parmeshtis (Five Reverend Personalities) Namaskar Maha-Mangal Sutra (Namaskar Mahamantra) Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva Sahunam Eso Pancha Namukkaro, Savva Pava Ppanasano Mangalanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam Namo Arihantanam I bow to Arihantas who have achieved enlightenment by overcoming inner enemies and weaknesses, who have attained infinite knowledge, infinite bliss, and showed us the path, that ends the cycle of birth, misery, and death. Namo Siddhanam I bow to Siddhas who have attained the state of perfection and immortality by liberating themselves of all Karma. Namo Ayariyanam I bow to Acharyas who are the heads of religious orders and who practice the supreme virtues. Namo Uvajjhayanam I bow to Upadhyays who are well versed in all Agams and teach the same to monks, nuns and other followers. Namo Loe Savva Sahunam I bow to all the Sadhus and Sadhvis (monks and nuns) that follow the five great vows of conduct for selfpurification and inspire us to live a simple life. Eso Pancha Namukkaro. Savva Pavappanasano. These fivefold obeisance is eradicator of all sins. Mangalanam Cha Savvesim. Padhamam Havai Mangalam. This Namaskar Mangal Sutra is foremost amongst all that is auspicious Introduction Namaskar Maha-Mangal Sutra The scriptural name of Namaskar sutra is Namaskar Maha-Mangal Sutra or Namaskar Mangal Sutra. Later on, the name of this sutra is changed to Namaskar or Navakar Mantra for the common people. This sutra is the most revered sutra in Jainism and can be recited at any time, place, and circumstance. While reciting this sutra, we bow down to Arihanta (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly matters), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (heads of Sadhus and Sadhvis, Shravak and Shravikas), Upadhyays (those who teach scriptures and Jain principles to the followers), and all Sadhus and Sadhvis (monks and nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economic and family relationships). Together, they are called Pancha Paramesthi (five supreme beings). In this sutra, we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular entity; therefore, the sutra is not named 20 JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2