Jain Vidya (1): 01 ►Namaskara Mahamantra

Lesson-1

Namaskara Mahamantra

As soon as I get up in the morning, I sit up, close my eyes and recite Namaskar Mantra five times.

Namaskar mahamantra is the most ancient mantra of Jain religion. All the Jains equally accept it. This Mahamantra which is recollected everyday is not confined to any caste and creed, it is dedicated to those great souls that can be divided into five types, i.e. Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu.

1. Those souls who have destroyed the karma enemy of attachment and aversion and thereby attained the state of omniscience (complete knowledge), are called arihant.
   
2. Those souls who have destroyed all the karmas and attained the pure state of soul are called siddhas.
   
3. Those souls who observe or practice five great vows i.e. non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession and is the head of the religious organization are called Acharyas.
   
4. Those who study religious texts and try to teach others too and are elected through the acharya are called as Upadhyayas.
   
5. Those who observe five great vows properly are  called Sadhus.

The Mahamantra contains five lines (padas) and thirty-five letters. Seven, five, seven, seven and nine letters in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth pada respectively. Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu. All these are called Pancha Paramesthi.

The recitation of Mahamantra should be done five times before going to sleep and after getting up from bed, it is very fruitful.

1. Who have been adored in the Namaskara Mahamantra?
   
2. How many lines and letters does this Mantra contain?
   
3. What is the importance of Namaskara Mahamantra?
   
4. Write the Namaskara Mahamantra along with its meaning.