Namokar Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
णमोकार मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
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
Complete Translation
I bow to the Arihantas — the perfected souls who have conquered all passions.
I bow to the Siddhas — the liberated souls.
I bow to the Acharyas — the spiritual leaders.
I bow to the Upadhyayas — the learned teachers.
I bow to all the Sadhus (monks and nuns) in the world.
This fivefold salutation destroys all sins.
Among all that is auspicious, it is the foremost auspiciousness.
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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