Jain Dharmashala, Jain Tirth, Jain Temples

• Jain Tirth In Gujrat

• Jain Tirth In Maharastra

• Jain Tirth In Rajasthan

 

 

Jain Tirth In Rajasthan

AYAD JAIN TIRTH POLICE CHOWKI NI SAME.DIST.UDAIPUR AYAD Pin Code: 313001 Phone: 0294-2421637	OSIYAJI JAIN TIRTH SHREE MAHAVIRSWAMI JAIN TEMPLE.MANGALSIHA RATNASIHJI DEVKI PEDHI DIST.JODHPUR OSIYAJI Pin Code: 342303 Phone: 02922-274232
AUR JAIN TIRTH SHREE ADINATH JAIN TEMPLE DIST.AUR VAYA ABUROAD Pin Code: 307026	Ajari Jain Tirth Shree Mahavirswami Jain Temple,Sheth Kalyanji Shobhagyachandjini Pedhi,Taluka-Pindvada.Dist.Sirohi Ajari Pin Code: 307020
Achalghad Jain Tirth Shree Achalji Amarshi Jain Pedhi,Dist.Sirohi Achalghad Pin Code: 307501 Phone: 02974-244122	Eklingji Jain Tirth Shree Adbhutji Tirth,Naghad.Dist.Udaipur Ekligji Pin Code: 313202 Phone: 0294-277218
Aahor Jain Tirth Shree Godiji Parshwanath Jain Temple,Dist.Jalore Aahor Pin Code: 307029 Phone: 02978-222409/222411	Amarsagar Jain Tirth Shree Amarsagar Jain Temple,Dist.Jesalmer Amarsagar Pin Code: 345001 Phone: 02992-252405
Ananddham Jain Tirth Shree Jain Temple,Ramaniya Tirth,Koyalvada.Dist.Pali Ananddham Pin Code: 3067055 Phone: 02934-282044/222971	Bherutarak JainTirth Abu Anadra Taleti,Delhi-Kandla Highway,Dist.Sirohi Anadra Pin Code: 307511 Phone: 02975-244165

Jain Tirth In Maharastra

Akola Jain Tirth Shree Adinath Jain Temple,Old Bhaji Market,Dist.Akola Akola Pin Code: 4440001 Phone: 0724-2433059	Balsana Jain Tirth Shree Vimalnath Jain Temple Balsana Dhule Pin Code: 424304 Phone: 02568-278214/278360
Aurangabad JainTirth Shree Anandji Kalyanji Jain Temple Trust,Sambhaji Nagar,Zaverivada,Rangali. Aurangabad Aurangabad Pin Code: 531001 Phone: 0240-235251	Balapur Jain Tirth Shree Chintamani Parshwanath Jain Temple,Gujratipura. Balapur Akola Pin Code: 444302 Phone: 07257-222472
Dhuliya Jain Tirth Shree Shitalnath Jain Sansthan. Dhuliya Dhuliya Pin Code: 424001 Phone: 02562-238091/230280	Dahigav Jain Tirth Shree Mahavirswami Digambar Jain Atishay Shetra,Vaya Natepute,Malsiras. Dahigav Solapur Phone: 02185-277282
Dodaichaa Jain Tirth Shree Sambhavnath Jain Temple,Station Road. Dodaicha Dhule Pin Code: 425408 Phone: 02566-244105	Gajpantha Jain Tirth Shree Gajpantha Jain Temple,Dindori Road,Mahsarul. Gajpantha Nasik Phone: 0293-2530215/2533186
Golvad Jain Tirth Shree Adinath Jain Temple,Dahanu. Golvad Thana Pin Code: 401702 Phone: 02528-2411053/241139	Jaalna Jain Tirth Shree Chadraprabhuswami Jain Temple,Ahinsa Marg,Sadar Market. Jaalna Jaalna Phone: 02482-234001

Jain Tirth In Gujrat

108 Mantreshwar Parshwadham Taleti Road Palitana	108 Tirth Darshan Taleti Road Palitana
Alipor Jain Tirth Shree Godi Parshwanath Pedhi,Taluka Chikhli Dist. Valsad Alipor Pin Code: 396409 Phone: 02634-232973	Asta Jain Tirth Shree Neminath Jain Temple,On Killa,Dist.Sihore Asta Pin Code: 466116 Phone: 07560-24266/243112
Bhiladiyaji JainTirt Shree Bhiadiyaji Jain Pedhi,Dist.Banaskatha Disha Pin Code: 385530 Phone: 02744-233130/232516	Bhorol Jain Tirth Shree Neminath Jain Pedhi,Dist.Banaskatha Bhorol Pin Code: 385565 Phone: 02737-2226321
Bhoyni Jain Tirth Shree Mallinathji Maharaj Karkhana Trust Bhoyni Ahmedabad Pin Code: 382145 Phone: 079-23350204	Ajaahara Jain Tirth Shree Ajaahara Parshwanath Jain Panchtirth Karkhana. Ajaahara Junaghad Pin Code: 362560 Phone: 02875-269355
Bhaktambar Jain Tirth Shree Bhaktambar Mahatirth,Near Devij Mandir,Ahmedabad Highway Road.i Ahmedabad Dhaar Pin Code: 454001	Bagvada Jain Tirth Shree Prachin Tirth Bagvada Bagvaada Valsad Pin Code: 346185 Phone: 0260-2342313

Bhopavar JainTirth Shree Shantinath Jain Temple. Bhopavar Dhaar Pin Code: 454111 Phone: 07296-266861/266830	Bavla Jain Tirth Shree Sambhavnath Jain Temple Pedhi,National Highway Road No.8 Savathi Tirth Bavla Ahmedabad Pin Code: 382220 Phone: 02704-231214
Badej Jain Tirth Shree Badej Parshwanath Jain Temple,Vaya Madhalpur Badej Porbander Pin Code: 360575 Phone: 0286-263417	Botad Jain Tirth Shree Lavanyasuri Gyan Mandir,Ambaji Chowk. Botad Saurashtra Pin Code: 364710 Phone: 02849-251411
Chaarup Jain Tirth Shree Chaarup Jain Tirth. Chaarup Patan Pin Code: 384285 Phone: 02766-277562	Chansma Jain Tirth Shree Bhateva Parshwanath Jain Temple. Chansma Mahesana Pin Code: 384220 Phone: 02734-22329
Div Jain Tirth Shree Navlakha Parshwanath Jain Temple. Div Junaghad Pin Code: 362520	Dodiya Jain Tirth Shree Jain Hitvardhak Mandal,Shree Shankeshwar Nemishwar Jinendraprasad,National Highway No.8 Dodiya Surendranagar Pin Code: 363310 Phone: 02755-235444
Dholera Jain Tirth Shree Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi,Dhandhuka. Dholera Ahmedabad Pin Code: 382455 Phone: 02713-23334270	Daata Jain Tirth Shree Visasrimali Tapagach Jain Sangh,Tadaja. Daata Bhavnagar Pin Code: 364130 Phone: 02842-283324

Gandhar Jain Tirth Shree Munisuvratswami Jain Temple,Vagra. Gandhar Bharuch Pin Code: 392140 Phone: 02641-232345/232373	Gajabhishek Jain Tirth-Saputara Gajabhishek Jain Temple-Saputara,Sarv No.108,Sunrise Point,Near Vaishali Hotel. Saputara Dang Phone: 02631-237350
Shri Aglod Jain Tirth Shri Aglod Jain Svetamber Murtipujak Sangh, Shri Manibhadra Veer Jain Tirth Pedi, Aglod, Vijapur, Mehasana Phone: (02763) 283734, 283615	Goghaa Jain Tirth Shree Navkhanda Parshwanath Temple,Seth Kala Mithani Pedhi. Goghaa Bhavnagar Pin Code: 364110 Phone: 02781-282335
Gambhu Jain Tirth Shree Gambhu Jain Sangh Trust,Becharaji. Gambhu Mahesana Pin Code: 384011 Phone: 02734-282325	Girnarji Jain Tirth Shree Neminath Jain Temple,Upar Coat,Jagmal Chowk. Girnarji Junaghad Pin Code: 362001 Phone: 02856-250179/2624109/2620059
Ayodhyapuram Jain Tirth Ayodhyapuram Tirth Trust At.Navagam Dhal, Vallabhipur, Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar Highway Vallabhipur Phone: 02841 281388	Vaktapur Jain Tirth Shree Parshwa Padmavati Jain Temple.Himmatnagar. Vaktapur Sabarkantha Pin Code: 383010 Phone: 02772-279380
Hastagiri Jain Tirth Shree Chandroday Religious Trust,Jadiya(Amraji)Palitana. Hastagiri Bhavnagar Pin Code: 364270 Phone: 02848-284101/284103	Haridwar Jain Tirth Shree Chintamani Parshwanath Jain Temple,Bhupatwala,Near Shantikunj,Rushikesh Road. Haridwar Haridwar Pin Code: 249410 Phone: 0133-2460263/2460073

Ranakpur - The Jain Temples in Aravali

Ranakpur - The Jain Temples in Aravali
Jain Temple, Ranakpur Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

Location
Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. It is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The place is well connected through a road network to other places in the region.

History
Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.

Pilgrimages Attractions of Ranakpur
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.

The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.

Sadri
Sadri, eight km away, is famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.

Temples at Desuri
Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by.

Another nearby place, Ghanerao, abounds in Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi. The statue in the main shrine is guarded by idols of Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.


Muchhal Mahavir temple
The Muchhal Mahavir temple is situated about five km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of temple decoration. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.

 Falna Ranakpur
The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

Palitana temples

Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Location
Palitana is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, 51 km south west of Bhavnagar. It is a part of the Saurashtra region famed for its spectacular temple sites, cities, beautiful beaches, and wildlife. The town has a good road and rail network that connects it to the other cities of Gujarat, especially Bhavnagar.

Climate
The climate of Palitana is generally pleasant. The summer season continues from March to June, with daytime temperature reaching 40°C.The monsoon reaches Palitana in July and remains there till September. Winter sets in around October and continues till February. The summer temperatures range from 24°C to 42°C and winter temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C.

History
The act of ascending a path to reach a place of pilgrimage is a part of the Hindu and Jain consciousness, which is why many of their holiest temples are located along hills and mountain ranges. The Jains have five separate hill locations for their holiest clusters of temples and Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana is considered the most important among them. Another group is in Girnar (Junagadh), not too far away, while others are in Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

Palitana houses perhaps the largest cluster of Jain temples anywhere. From the base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya Hill, where the Palitana temples are located, there are in all 863 temples. These temples were built in two phases-the 11th and 12th centuries as a part of the resurgence of temple building all over India, and in the 16th century. Some of the earliest temples built in the 11th century were destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 14th and 15th centuries. The current temples date back to 16th century onwards. Not any one person or group was responsible for the construction of these magnificent temples. It was the effort of the wealthy businessmen who were followers of Jainism that these buildings came into existence.

Pilgrimage Attractions of Palitana Temple The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone. To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple. The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with special permission. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century. Palitana town is a good place to shop for textile related handicrafts and has a Jain kala sansta.

Shetrunjaya Hill
The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. The peak is a 3 ½ km climb of over 3500 steps from the town. The cluster of over 800 temples is divided into tuks. Throughout the cluster you can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. Sunrise behind the temples is a great sight. One can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river Shetrunjaya. On a clear day, the Gulf of Cambay seacoast can be seen. Commanding a special place on the Gujarat travelers' map, Palitana is a `must visit' destination for the Jains and all those who would like to witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelised religious fervour can achieve. The mount Shatrunjaya lies hardly a kilometer away from the town, the way, which is now thronged on both the sides by sarais and minor temples, including Kala Bhandars (museums). The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar, also known as Adinath. It is believed that all the tirthankars, except Neminath, attained nirvan here. The multitude of temples, half palaces, half fortresses and made of splendid marble, with their spires aiming the skies present a spectacle unmatched for its scale and magnitude.

Temples of Dilwara

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.

Five Unique Temples of Dilwara
There are 5 temples in all, each with its own unique identity though together they are named after the small village in which they are located. These are:

Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple) Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple) Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple) Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple) Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple) The most famous of these are the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temple.

• Vimal Vasahi Temple
  This temple carved entirely out of white marble was built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, a minister of Raja Bhimdeo. The temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher or guide) Adi Nath. The temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor, which has numerous cells containing smaller idols of the Tiranthakaras. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.
  
  The Rang mandap is a grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved out arches with a breathtaking central dome. On the pillars are carved female figurines playing musical instruments and 16 Vidhyadevis or the goddesses of knowledge each one holding her own symbol.
  The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step inside its heavily decorated doorway. Installed here is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev, as he is also known. The mandap is meant for 'Arti' to the deity. The Hastishala (Elephant Cell) was constructed by Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 A.D and features a row of elephants in sculpture.
• Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple)
  The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent temple was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local ruler. The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple. The main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving. Arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of Jain monks in another circular band. The Hathishala or elephant cell features 10 beautiful marble elephants neatly polished and realistically modelled.
  
  The Navchowki features some of the most magnificent and delicate marble stone cutting work of the temple. Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed the others in beauty and grace. The Gudh mandap features a black marble idol of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath. The Kirthi Stambha is a big black stone pillar that stands on the left side of the temple. The pillar was constructed by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The remaining three temples of Dilwara are smaller but just as elegant as the other two.
• Pittalhar Temple
  This temple was build by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabd. A massive metal statue of Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in five metals is installed in the temple. The main metal used in this statue is 'Pital' (brass), hence the name 'Pittalhar'. The Shrine consists of a main Garbhagraha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
• Parshavanath Temple
  This temple, dedicated to Lord Parshavnath was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 A.D. It consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara. On all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four big mandaps. The outer walls of the sanctum comprise of beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas and other decorative sculptures comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark.
• Mahaveer Swami Temple
  This is a small structure constructed in 1582 A.D. and dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer. There are pictures on the upper walls of the porch painted in 1764 A.D. by the artists of Sirohi.

Jain - Introduction

Jain - Introduction

Jainism traces its roots to a succession of 24 Jinas ("those who overcome", or conqueror) in ancient East India. The first Jina is traditionally believed to have been a giant who lived 8.4 million years ago. The most recent and last Jina was Vardhamana (a.k.a. Mahavira, "The Great Hero") He was born in 550 BCE) and was the founder of the Jain community. He attained enlightenment after 13 years of deprivation. In 420 BCE, he committed the act of salekhana which is fasting to death. Each Jina has "conquered love and hate, pleasure and pain, attachment and aversion, and has thereby freed `his' soul from the karmas obscuring knowledge, perception, truth, and ability..."

Jainist Beliefs and Practices

The universe exists as a series of layers, both heavens and hells. It had no beginning and will have no ending. It consists of: The supreme abode: This is located at the top of the universe and is where Siddha, the liberated souls, live.
The upper world: 30 heavens where celestial beings live.
Middle world: the earth and the rest of the universe.
Nether world: 7 hells with various levels of misery and punishments
The Nigoda, or base: where the lowest forms of life reside
Universe space: layers of clouds which surround the upper world
Space beyond: an infinite volume without soul, matter, time, medium of motion or medium of rest.

Everyone is bound within the universe by one's karma (the accumulated good and evil that one has done).

Moksha (liberation from an endless succession of lives through reincarnation) is achieved by enlightenment, which can be attained only through asceticism.

They are expected to follow five principles of living: Ahimsa: "non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and physical." 3 Committing an act of violence against a human, animal, or even vegetable generates negative karma which in turn adversely affects one's next life.

Satya: speaking truth; avoiding falsehood
Asteya: to not steal from others
Brahma-charya: (soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's spouse only
Aparigraha: detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from over-indulgence, restricting one's needs, etc.

Jains follow a vegetarian diet. (At least one information source incorrectly states that they follow a frutarian diet -- the practice of only eating that which will not kill the plant or animal from which it is taken. e.g. milk, fruit, nuts.)

They often read their sacred texts daily.

Jains are recommended to pass through four stages during their lifetime:
Brahmacharya-ashrama: the life of a student
Gruhasth-ashrama: family life
Vanaprasth-ashrama: family and social services
Sanyast-ashrama: life as a monk; a period of renunciation

There are two groups of Jains:

• The Digambaras (literally "sky clad" or naked): Their monks carry asceticism to the point of rejecting even clothing (even when they appear in public).
  
• The Shvetambaras (literally "white clad"): their monks wear simple white robes. The laity are permitted to wear clothes of any color.

NAVKAR MANTRA

Namo Arihantanam: I bow down to Arihanta,

Namo Siddhanam: I bow down to Siddha,

Namo Ayariyanam: I bow down to Acharya,

Namo Uvajjhayanam: I bow down to Upadhyaya,

Namo Loe Savva-sahunam: I bow down to Sadhu and Sadhvi.

Eso Panch Namokaro: These five bowings downs,

Savva-pavappanasano: Destroy all the sins,

Manglananch Savvesim: Amongst all that is auspicious,

Padhamam Havei Mangalam: This Navkar Mantra is the foremost.

NAVKAR MANTRA

The Navkar Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time. While reciting the Navkar Mantra, we are bowing down with respect to Arihantas (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly process), Siddhas (liberated souls), Ächäryäs (heads of sadhus and sadhvis), Upädhyäyas (those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis), Sädhus (monks, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships) and Sädhvis (nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships). Collectively, they are called Panch Parmesthi (five supreme spiritual people). In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person; therefore, this Mantra is not named after Lord Mahavir, Lord Parshvanath or Adinath, etc. When we recite Navkar Mantra it, also reminds us that, we need to be like them. This mantra is also called Namaskär or Namokär Mantra because we are bowing down.

The Navkär Mantra contains the main message of Jainism. The message is very clear. If we want to be liberated from this world then we have to take the first step of renunciation by becoming a monk or a nun. This is the beginning. If we stay on the right path then we will proceed to a higher state, Arihant, and ultimately proceed to Siddha after nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The goal of every Jain is, or should be, to become a siddha.