Navkar Mahamantra Divas was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a significant spiritual gathering a day before Mahavir Jayanti. The event saw participation from delegates representing over 108 countries, symbolizing a global commitment to peace, harmony, and spiritual reflection through the recitation of Jainism’s most revered chant – the Navkar Mahamantra.
About Navkar Mahamantra Divas
Observed as: A spiritual observance rooted in Jain teachings and celebrated globally by followers and peace-seekers
Purpose:
- To promote spiritual unity, ethical awareness, and compassion
- Collective chanting of Navkar Mahamantra as a means of fostering peace, inner calm, and brotherhood
- Celebrate the core Jain values of non-violence (ahimsa), humility, and self-realization
Significance:
- The mantra honors the enlightened beings – Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus
- Promotes self-purification, inner peace, collective well-being, and unity across communities
- Encourages reflection on ethical living, compassion, and detachment from worldly desires
About Navkar Mahamantra
Core Message: One of the oldest and most sacred mantras in Jainism. Its core message is attaining spiritual peace through non-violence, truth, and righteous conduct.
Essence:
- Unlike many prayers, it does not ask for favors or blessings
- Instead, it offers reverence to five categories of spiritually advanced beings
- Emphasizes values over rituals, making it universally relevant across belief systems
Connection to Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Lord Mahavir:
- Born in 615 BC in a royal family and named Vardhamana
- Renounced worldly life at the age of 30 to seek spiritual truth
- Attained Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) after intense penance and meditation
- His philosophy laid the foundation for Jainism, which promotes peace, discipline, and non-attachment
Core Teaching:
- Ahimsa Parmo Dharma – Non-violence is the supreme religion
- Continues to inspire peaceful living, environmental consciousness, and tolerance worldwide