![]() ![]() Dhaky, these two lines were originally used as mangala (auspicious opening lines) in written works and rituals then. It was inscribed by the Jain monarch Kharavela of Kalinga kingdom. ![]() The Hathigumpha inscription dated between 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE starts with Namo Arahantanam ( नमो अरहंतानं) and Namo Save Sidhanam ( नमो सवे सिधानं), the first two lines of Namokar Mantra. In Kushana and Shaka periods of 1st century CE to the first quarter of 2nd century, only the first line was prevalent. History Hathigumpha inscription by King Khāravela at Udayagiri HillsĪ short inscription (dated 200 BCE to 100 BCE) found in Pale Caves in Maharashtra mentions Namo Arahatanam ( नमो अरहतानं) or Namo Arahantanam ( नमो अरहंतानं), only the first line of Namokara Mantra. The mantra is also variously referred to as the Pancha Namaskāra Mantra, Namaskāra Mantra, Navakāra Mantra, Namaskāra Mangala or Paramesthi Mantra. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. In order to show our special reverence for their teachings, we salute Arihants first and then Siddhas.The Ṇamōkāra mantra or Navkar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism, and one of the oldest mantras in continuous practice. It would not have been possible for us to know about Siddhas or liberation without them. ![]() On the other hand, Arihants are still human beings and offer us spiritual guidance during their lifetime. Since Siddhas have attained ultimate liberation, we do not have access to them. It is very interesting to note that in Namokar Mantra we pray to the Arihants first and then to the Siddhas, even though the Siddhas are perfected souls who have destroyed all (both Ghati and Aghati) Karmas, and at a higher spiritual stage than Arihants. After attaining salvation these Arihants are called Siddhas. These four karmas do not affect the true nature of the soul therefore, they are called Aghati karmas. Vedniya (pain and pleasure causing) Karma.At the time of nirvana (liberated from the worldly existence), Arihanta sheds off the remaining four aghati karmas namely: The first Tirthankar of our time period was Lord Rishabhdev, and the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankar was Lord Mahaveera, who lived from 599 BCE to 527 BCE. ![]() During every half time cycle, twenty-four persons like us rise to the level of Tirthankar. Tirthankaras are special Arihants because they revitalize the Jain Sangh (four-fold Jain Order) consisting of Sadhus (male saints), Sadhvis (female saints), Shravaks (male householders), and Shravikas (female householders). Arihantas are divided into two categories:
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