Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

Page 23

Acharya Mahashraman in Prayer (1)
Navkar Mahamantra
Jain prayer starts with the Mangalacharan, the holiest of mantras called Navkar Mahamantra. Prayer starts with the pronunciation of Navkar Mahamantra. It is performed with folded hands and bowed heads. This body posture is believed to help the finite consciousness to communicate with the infinite consciousness.
Navkar Mahamantra is worded in Prakrit language is as follows:
Namo Arahantanamn Obeisance to the Arahanthas (Enlightened Souls)
Namo Siddhanamn Obeisance to the Siddhas (Emancipated Souls)
Namo Ayariyanamn Obeisance to the Acharyas (Preceptors)
Namo Uuvajjhayanamn Obeisance to the Upadhyas (Spiritual Teachers)
Namo Loe Savvasahunamn Obeisance to the Saints of the entire world
Five-fold Obeisance this, annihilates all sins
And brings the highest good, happiness and bliss.