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Navakar Mantra | Nine Prayers
The Navakar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism. While reciting this Mantra, one bows down to Arihantas (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly process), Siddhas (liberated souls), Ächäryäs (heads of sadhus and sadhvis), Upädhyayas (those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis), Sädhus and Sädhvis (monks and nuns who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships). This mantra serves as a gesture of deep respect towards spiritually enlightened beings. It also acts as a reminder that a soul's ultimate goal is liberation from the tangible world, or moksha. This mantra will be recited many times during the ceremony and is provided with a translation here:
Namo Arihantanam: I bow down to Arihanta, Namo Siddhanam: I bow down to Siddha,
Namo Ayariyanam: I bow down to Acharya,
Namo Uvajjhayanam: I bow down to Upadhyaya,
Namo Loe Savva-sahunam: I bow down to Sadhu and Sadhvi.
Eso Panch Namokaro: These five bowings downs,
Savva-pavappanasano: Destroy all the sins,
Manglananch Savvesim: Amongst all that is auspicious, Padhamam Havei Mangalam: This Navkar Mantra is the foremost.
