Namokar Mantra


The 'Ṇamōkāra mantra/Navkar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. The mantra is also variously referred to as the Pancha Namaskāra Mantra, Navakāra Mantra or Namaskāra Mantra.
Below is the meaning of Navkar Mantra line by line, wherein the devotee first bows to the five supreme souls or Pañca-Parameṣṭhi:
There is no mention of any particular names of the gods or any specific person. The prayer is done towards the guṇa of the gods, teachers and the saints. Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits from the tirthankaras or monastics. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings whom they believe are spiritually evolved, as well as to remind the people of their ultimate goal i.e. moksha.
The Navkar Mantra consists of 68 letters.

History

A 162 BCE inscription, the Hathigumpha inscription starts with the Namokar Mantra. It was inscribed by the Jain monarch Kharavela.

The Ṇamōkāra/Navkar Mantra

Meditation

According to Dravyasaṃgraha, a major Jain text: