The Navkar Mantra — also known as the Namokar or Namaskar Mantra — is one of the most revered and universal prayers in the spiritual tradition of India. Central to Jainism, it is often described as the most important and most powerful mantra, precisely because it bows to no single deity but instead honours the noble qualities of all enlightened, liberated and virtuous souls. This makes the Navkar mantra truly universal, transcending religion, caste and social boundaries. In this guide we explore the meaning, the five sacred salutations, and the profound benefits of the Navkar mantra — along with how to chant it correctly.
What Is the Navkar Mantra?
The Navkar Mantra is a prayer of humility and reverence. Its greatest secret is that it does not worship any particular god or individual; instead, it venerates the qualities, attainments and characteristics of the noble souls who have walked the path of virtue and liberation. By bowing to what these beings represent — not who they are — the mantra becomes accessible to people of every faith and background. Like the sacred Om mantra, it is a foundational chant valued for its purity and universality.
The Five Salutations of the Navkar Mantra
At the heart of the Navkar Mantra are five reverential salutations (the Panch Parmeshthi), each bowing to a category of noble souls:
- Namo Arihantanam — homage to the Arihants, those who have conquered all inner enemies and karmic bondage.
- Namo Siddhanam — homage to the Siddhas, the completely liberated, perfected souls.
- Namo Ayariyanam — homage to the Acharyas, the spiritual teachers and guides.
- Namo Uvajjhayanam — homage to the Upadhyayas, the preceptors and mentors who impart knowledge.
- Namo Loe Savva-Sahunam — homage to all the Sadhus (monks) and enlightened beings everywhere.
Together, these five bows honour the entire spiritual journey — from those still striving to those who have attained perfection.
The Benefits of Chanting the Navkar Mantra
Chanting the Navkar Mantra with sincerity and humility is believed to bring deep spiritual and personal benefits:
- Inner peace and calm — a settled, purified mind.
- Freedom from fear — courage and confidence in the face of difficulty.
- Removal of obstacles — clearing adversities and negativity from one’s path.
- Success and recognition — reputation and progress across areas of life.
- Spiritual purification — the dissolving of negative tendencies and karma.
Traditionally, specific counts are associated with specific results — for example, disciplined repetition over weeks and months is said to remove fear, build confidence, attract success and bring recognition. The deeper the devotion, the deeper the effect.
How to Chant the Navkar Mantra
To experience the full benefits of the Navkar Mantra, it should be chanted with the right spirit and method:
- Sit comfortably in a clean, quiet place, ideally in the early morning.
- Calm the mind with a few slow breaths.
- Chant each of the five salutations slowly and clearly, reflecting on their meaning.
- Use a mala to count your repetitions, in rounds of 108.
- Chant daily, and where possible under the guidance of an evolved teacher.
Because the mantra can also be written as a devotional practice (Likhit Jaap), many practitioners combine chanting with writing it repeatedly to deepen focus.
The Most Important Principle
The single most important secret of the Navkar Mantra is the spirit in which it is chanted. The tradition emphasises that it should be recited without greed or selfishness — prioritising spiritual growth and reverence over material gain. When approached with genuine humility and devotion, its blessings are said to unfold naturally. For those who wish to deepen their practice, the Navkar mantra sits beautifully alongside other sacred practices such as a personalised mantra for one’s chart, the calming mantras for deep inner peace, or a formal anushthan and jaap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Navkar mantra?
The Navkar (Namokar) Mantra is a universal Jain prayer that bows not to any deity but to the noble qualities of all enlightened, liberated and virtuous souls, making it accessible across all faiths.
What are the benefits of the Navkar mantra?
The Navkar mantra is believed to bring inner peace, freedom from fear, removal of obstacles, success and recognition, and deep spiritual purification when chanted with sincerity and humility.
What are the five salutations of the Navkar mantra?
The five salutations honour the Arihants (conquerors of inner enemies), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual teachers), Upadhyayas (preceptors) and all Sadhus (monks) everywhere.
How should the Navkar mantra be chanted?
Chant it in a calm, clean place, reciting each salutation slowly with reflection, ideally in rounds of 108 using a mala. It should be chanted with humility, without greed or selfishness.
Is the Navkar mantra only for Jains?
No. Although central to Jainism, the Navkar mantra is universal. Because it honours qualities rather than any single deity, people of all faiths and backgrounds chant it for peace and spiritual growth.
