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The Early Epigraphic Records of Mathura
of Navakāra mantra. According to scholars the scripture Angavijjā is compiled by previous Acāryas before the Christian era, as its language is similar to ancient Ardhamāgadhi and Śaurseni. It has total eight adhyāyas where many subjects are discussed in detail including previous form of Suri and Vardhamana Vidyā.
In Angavijjā, three forms of Navakara mantras is available. 1. Dvipadātmaka-having two padas. 2. Tri-padātmaka- with three Padas. 3. Pañca- padātmaka- having five padas39. Later on four padas joined to show the power of consequences of adoration.
1. Dvi-padātmaka form of Navakāra mantra:
1) Namo Arihantānam.
2) Namo Siddhanam or Namo Savva Siddhānam.
2. Tri-padātmaka form of Navakara mantra:
1) Namo Arihantānam.
2) Namo Siddhānam.
3) Namo Savva Sahunam.
167
Navkara mantra is available with above three Padas40 where the first two Padas have usual salutation to Arhata and Siddha, while the third salutation is mentioned to all sadhus. Here the word 'Loe' (stands foruniverse) is absent though it is seen used at some places, moreover the 'Savva' is applied in third pada. Thus both types of third pada is available here -Namo Loe Savva Sähunam and Namo Savva Sāhunam. 3. Pañca-padātmaka Navakāra mantra:
1) Namo Arhantānam.
2) Namo Siddhanam/ Namo Savva Siddhānam.
3) Namo Ayariyānam.
4) Namo Uvajjhāyānam.
5) Namo Loe Savva Sahunam.
This five pada mantra is available in this text with both forms of second pada. The Culika of the same text is first available in Avasyaka-niryukti; therefore the mantra11 is believed to have been composed in the c. 2nd B.C.
39 Dr. Jain S., an article on Angavijja me Jain Mantro ka Pracina Svarupa' in Jinavani march 2005, pp.20.
40 Ibid, pp. 23-24.
41 Dr. Jain S., an article on 'Angavijja me Jain Mantro ka Pracina Svarupa' in Jinavani march 2005, pp.23-4.
