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Jain Devotionalism The Namaskar Mantra
Kokila H. SHAH
There are two modes of religious observance. (i) Devotional ii) Renunciatory. The devotional aspect involves acceptance of the Jina as the ultimate divinity. This taking refuge in the Jina and his path is formalized by initiation into the holy litany called pancanamaskara, reverent salutation to the five holy beings. The Pancanamaskar Mantra, Namokar Mantra or Namaskar Mantra incorporates the five supreme beings who are saluted. The religious tradition of the Jainas is unique in many respects. In the Jaina tradition, it is customary to begin any work with the recitation of the Namaskara Mantra - the popular chant. It is the daily prayer of the Jainas. Recitation of Pancanamaskara comes to be synonymous with the acceptance of the Jaina Creed. The Pancanamaskara is a Mantra, a litany (sacred formula) in which salutations are offered to the five Panca Parameshthis. Jainas adore the virtues of these five supreme beings. They are worshipped so that one can realize their virtues and become like them. Devotion to divine beings its the first step in spiritual progress. It contains salutations to the Arihantas, the Siddhas, the Acaryas, the Upadhyayas and the Sadhus. It is expressed in a prayer formula as follows:
1. Namo Arihantanam (obeisance to the Arhats)- I bow down to
Arihantas, the spiritual victors- the Jinas 2. Namo Siddhanam (obeisance to Siddhas)- I bow down to the Siddhas
(Disembodied liberated Souls). the accomplished ones who have
attained Moksa. 3. Namo Ayariyanam (obeisance to Acaryas)- I bow down to the
mendicant leaders of the Jaina order. 4. Namo Uvajjhayanam (Obeisance to Upadhyayas)- I bow down to the
preceptors (mendicants) 5. Namo Loe Savva Sahunam (Obeisance to all the Sadhus in the world)- I
bow down to all the mendicants, the saints and sages everywhere in the
world. 6. Eso Panca Namokkaro- These five Salutations, 7. Savva Pavappanasano- Erase all sin. 8. Mangalanam ca Savvesim- Among all that is auspicious,
