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णमोकार मंत्र Meaning — Line by Line

णमोकार मंत्र

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of णमोकार मंत्र with its Hindi meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

Verse 1#

Namo Arihantanam

णमो अरिहंताणं णमो सिद्धाणं णमो आयरियाणं णमो उवज्झायाणं णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं

Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Aayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Meaningअरिहन्तों को नमस्कार, सिद्धों को नमस्कार, आचार्यों को नमस्कार, उपाध्यायों को नमस्कार, लोक के समस्त साधुओं को नमस्कार।

Verse 2#

Eso Panch Namokkaro

एसो पंच णमोक्कारो सव्व पावप्पणासणो मंगलाणं सव्वेसिं पढमं हवइ मंगलं

Eso Panch Namokkaro Savva Pavappanasano Mangalanam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam

Meaningयह पञ्च-नमस्कार समस्त पापों का नाश करने वाला है, और सब मंगलों में प्रथम (सर्वश्रेष्ठ) मंगल है।

Word-by-Word Breakdown

णमो
Namo
I bow to / salutations to
अरिहंताणं
Arihantanam
The Arihantas — those who have conquered inner enemies (passions)
सिद्धाणं
Siddhanam
The Siddhas — liberated souls who have attained moksha
आयरियाणं
Aayariyanam
The Acharyas — spiritual teachers and heads of congregations
उवज्झायाणं
Uvajjhayanam
The Upadhyayas — preceptors who teach scriptures
लोए सव्व साहूणं
Loe Savva Sahunam
All the Sadhus (monks and nuns) in the world
पंच णमोक्कारो
Panch Namokkaro
This fivefold salutation
सव्व पावप्पणासणो
Savva Pavappanasano
Destroys all sins
मंगलं
Mangalam
Auspiciousness, the most auspicious of all

Origin & History

Source: Jain Agamas (ancient Jain scriptures)

Author: Ancient Jain tradition (pre-Mahavira)

Period: Over 2,500 years old

The Namokar Mantra predates even Lord Mahavira (599-527 BCE), the 24th Tirthankara. It is considered eternal (nitya) — not composed by anyone but existing since beginningless time. When Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), the celestial beings recited this mantra in celebration. It is the first prayer taught to every Jain child and the last prayer on a Jain's lips at the time of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Namokar Mantra?
The Namokar (also Navkar) Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism. It pays obeisance to five supreme beings: Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus. It does not worship any individual but the qualities of spiritual perfection.
Can non-Jains chant the Namokar Mantra?
Yes. The Namokar Mantra is universal because it does not mention any specific god, person, or sect. It bows to qualities — spiritual victory, liberation, teaching, and renunciation — which are universal ideals.
Why doesn't the Namokar Mantra mention God?
Jainism teaches that every soul has the potential to become God (Arihanta/Siddha) through self-effort. The Namokar Mantra bows to those who have achieved this and those who guide others — recognizing divinity in spiritual achievement rather than in a creator deity.

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