Jain Namokar Mantra - All you need to know about

Namokar Mantra is the fundamental prayer on which resides the crux of Jainism. It is an absolutely elementary mantra, yet conveys profound power. Unlike other mantras that seek something in return for material attainment, Namokar Mantra does a basic thing which we all ought to do: offer salutations to those who are spiritually greater and purer than us, not because we want something; but to simply do so, because they are awesome than us, as of now.

Original Jain Namokar Mantra in Prakrit Language

णमो अरिहंताणं
णमो सिद्धाणं
णमो आयरियाणं
णमो उवज्झायाणं
णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं
एसो पंच णमुक्कारो, सव्व पावपणासणो।
मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पढमं हवइ मगलं॥

English Translation of Jain Namokar Mantra

Salutations to the Arihants, the Conquerors.
Salutations to the Siddhas, the Liberated ones.
Salutations to the Acharyas, the Preceptors.
Salutations to the Upadhyays, the Teachers.
Salutations to all the Sages of the world.
This five-fold salutation (mantra) completely destroys all the sins.
And, of all auspicious mantras, (it) is indeed the foremost auspicious one.

English Transliteration of Jain Namokar Mantra

Namo Arihantaanam
Namo Siddhaanam
Namo Aayariyaanam
Namo Uvajjhaayanam
Namo Loye Savva Saahunam
Eso Panch Namukkaaro, Savva Paavapanaasano
Mangalaanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam

Hindi Translation of Jain Namokar Mantra

अरिहंतों को नमन।
सिद्धों को नमन।
आचार्यों को नमन।
उपाध्यायों को नमन।
लोक के सर्व साधुओं को नमन।
ये पाँच नमन के उच्चार, सभी पापो का पूरा नाश करते हैं।
और, सभी मंगलों में, यह बिलकुल प्रथम मंगल हैं।

How To Recite Mantra Efficiently?

Usually, a layman has the complaint of not being able to concentrate while reciting mantra. And, how will he able to focus, unless he has the complete knowledge of reciting the mantra! By concentrating the consciousness on the colors and places associated with this great mantra (maha-mantra), the attentiveness won't be disrupted.

Mantra	Color	Center
Namo Arihantaanam	White	Gyaan (Knowledge)
Namo Siddhaanam	Red	Darshan (Philosophy)
Namo Aayariyaanam	Yellow	Purification
Namo Uvajjhaayanam	Green	Happiness
Namo Loye Savva Saahunam	Blue	Power

Breathing Techniques For Reciting Mantra

Also, one can ensure better concentration by reciting the mantra through proper breathing technique. Along with the colors associated with recitation of Namokar mantra, three techniques have been suggested as to when to inhale or exhale:

1. First Technique

Mantra	Breathing Style
Namo Arihantaanam	While Inhaling
Namo Siddhaanam	While Exhaling
Namo Aayariyaanam	Again, While Inhaling
Namo Uvajjhaayanam	While Exhaling
Namo Loye	Again, While Inhaling
Savva Saahunam	While Exhaling

2. Second Technique
In one breath itself, all the lines of the mantra can be recited.
3. Third Technique
In first breath, we can recite first line of the mantra; in second breath, we can recite the second line, and so on and so forth.

Benefits of Namokar Mantra

Namokar Mantra is an exclusive mantra of the Jain philosophy. Owing to this auspicious mantra, millions have been benefited. With benevolent thoughts, this mantra makes the complex ways of the world simplified and propitious. This mantra, with it, has the sadhana of infinite sages. With its regular recitation, peace arises in the mind of the seeker and the concealed energy of one's being, gets manifested.

Bhala Ho (Stay blessed)

© by Manas Madrecha