Namokar Mantra

The Ṇamōkāra mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism, and one of the oldest mantras in continuous practice. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. The mantra is also variously referred to as the Pancha Namaskāra Mantra, Namaskāra Mantra, Navakāra Mantra, Namaskāra Mangala or Paramesthi Mantra. It is dedicated to the Panch-Parmeshthi, namely the arihant, the siddhas, the acharyas, the upadhyaya and all the ascetics.

History

A short inscription (dated 200 BCE to 100 BCE) found in Pale Caves in Maharashtra mentions () or (), only the first line of Namokara Mantra. In Kushana and Shaka periods of 1st century CE to the first quarter of 2nd century, only the first line was prevalent. The Hathigumpha inscription dated between 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE starts with () and (), the first two lines of Namokar Mantra. The rest of the lines are not there. It was inscribed by the Jain monarch Kharavela of Kalinga kingdom. According to historian M. A. Dhaky, these two lines were originally used as mangala (auspicious opening lines) in written works and rituals then.

The Namaskara Mantra with all Pañca-Parameṣṭhi (five supreme souls) was first mentioned in the auspicious opening lines in the condensed edition of Vyākhyāprajñapti. This version also replaces Ardhamagadhi with Maharashtrian Prakrit . In condensed edition of Avashyakasutra (dated circa last quarter of 5th century), the is also replaced with as well as (Arahant) with (Arihant). Shatkandagam (circa 475–525 CE) and later Visheshavashyakbhashyavritti (circa 725 CE) and Anuyogadwarasuchi shows (Namo) replaced with more Prakit (Namo). However, most Śvetāmbaras still use (Namo) as the Śvetāmbara canon states that Tirthankaras' sermons are in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, so they prefer the version with (Namo) as they consider it to be the original form of the mantra. Digambaras, on the other hand, believe that Tirthankaras do not speak after attaining Kevala jnana and that there is no specific language in their sermons. Most Digambaras, therefore, prefer reciting the newer version of the mantra written in Maharashtri Prakrit with (Namo).

Composed around the beginning of the Common Era, Chattarimangalam Stotra mentions only Arhat, Siddha, Sadhu and Kevalipragnapti Dharma (Dharma as prescribed by Omniscients) as four chief auspicious. So the three lines regarding Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu must have been added later. The last four lines about phala-prashashti (benefits of chanting) are not older than 6th century CE and are not found in any older works, according to Dhaky. The importance of it as a mantra in texts, traditions, rituals and meditation arose thereafter.

The Ṇamōkāra Mantra

Abbreviations

The Namokar Mantra may abbreviated to ' (6 syllables), Om Nhi (2 syllables), or just Om (1 syllable) in Jain literature.