Namokar Mantra
The Ṇamōkāra mantra or Navkar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism, and one of the oldest mantras in continuous practice. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. The mantra is also variously referred to as the "Pancha Namaskāra Mantra", "Namaskāra Mantra", "Navakāra Mantra", "Namaskāra Mangala" or "Paramesthi Mantra". Below is the meaning of Namokar Mantra line by line, wherein the devotee first bows to the five supreme souls or Pañca-Parameṣṭhi: There is no mention of any particular names of the gods or any specific person. The prayer is done towards the  guṇa (the good qualities) of the gods, teachers and the saints. Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits from the tirthankaras or monastics. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings whom they believe are spiritually evolved, as well as to remind the people of their ultimate goal i.e. "moksha" (liberation). The Navkar Mantra consists of 68 letters. History. A short inscription (dated 200 BCE to 100 BCE) found in Pale Caves in Maharashtra mentions () or (), only the first line of Namokara Mantra. In Kushana and Shaka periods of 1st century CE to  the first quarter of 2nd century, only the first line was prevalent. The Hathigumpha inscription dated between 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE starts with () and (), the first two lines of Namokar Mantra. The rest of the lines are not there. It was inscribed by the Jain monarch Kharavela of Kalinga kingdom. According to historian M. A. Dhaky, these two lines were originally used as "mangala" (auspicious opening lines) in written works and rituals then. The Namaskara Mantra with all Pañca-Parameṣṭhi (five supreme souls) was first mentioned in the auspicious opening lines in the condensed edition of "Vyākhyāprajñapti . This version also replaces Ardhamagadhi with Maharashtrian Prakrit . In condensed edition of Avashyakasutra" (dated circa last quarter of 5th century), the is also replaced with as well as (Arahant) with (Arihant). Shatkandagam (circa 475-525 CE) and later "Visheshavashyakbhashyavritti" (circa 725 CE) and "Anuyogadwarasuchi" shows (Namo) replaced with more Prakit (Namo). Composed around the beginning of the Common Era, "Chattarimangalam Stotra" mentions only Arhat, Siddha, Sadhu and Kevalipragnapti Dharma ("Dharma" as prescribed by Omniscients) as four chief auspicious. So the three lines regarding Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu must have been added later. The last four lines about "phala-prashashti" (benefits  of chanting) are not older than 6th century CE and are not found in any older works, according to Dhaky. The importance of it as a mantra in texts, traditions, rituals and meditation arose thereafter. The Ṇamōkāra/Navkar Mantra. Abbreviations. The Namokar Mantra may abbreviated to "" (6 syllables), "Om Nhi" (2 syllables), or just "Om" (1 syllable) in Jain literature. Meditation. According to Dravyasaṃgraha, a major Jain text: