Echoing from the heart of ancient India to the far corners of our interconnected world, April 9, 2025 witnessed the dawn of Navkar Mahamantra Divas. Millions of participants in 108 countries united in the synchronized chanting of the Jains’ most sacred mantra. This annual spiritual observance, a testament to India’s enduring respect for all faiths, was inaugurated at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in collaboration with the Jain International Trade Organization (JITO). Its resonant message: inner peace, collective well-being, and a sustainable harmony for all.
Musical icons lend their voices to a global anthem of peace
The Vishwa Navkar Divas campaign became a symphony of unity as renowned musical artists—Anup Jalota, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, Pravesh Mallik, Brijeshji, Kailash Kher, Sonu Nigam, and Hariharan—passionately encouraged worldwide participation. Their voices, familiar and beloved, called upon individuals across 100 Indian cities and 108 nations to dedicate themselves to reciting the sacred Mahamantra. This collective offering of sound aimed to dissolve negativity and inspire a global wave of transformation.
The Navkar Mantra: A timeless seed of inner awakening
At the core of this burgeoning movement lies the Navkar Mantra, a sacred Jain chant that transcends religious boundaries. It extends a universal invitation towards the fundamental virtues of non-violence, self-purification, and profound spiritual awakening. Prime Minister Modi, recalling a powerful moment of unified recitation in Bengaluru, underscored its enduring power: “This mantra is not a demand—it is a path. A path toward harmony, not conquest of others, but conquest of self.”
PM Modi illuminates Jain values for a modern world
Drawing from the wellspring of Jain philosophy, PM Modi elucidated the Panch Parmeshthi—the five supreme beings, namely Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, each representing a vital stage in humanity’s spiritual ascent. In a world grappling with conflict and ecological fragility, he urged a shift from reactive impulses to introspective wisdom, emphasizing that our most significant battles are waged within, against the shadows of ego, suspicion, and hostility. He highlighted the profound contemporary relevance of Jainism’s core tenets: Anekantavada (acceptance of multiple truths) and Parasparopagraho Jivanam (the interdependence of all life), positioning them as potent antidotes to the pervasive polarization of our times.
Honoring the past, building for the future
Evoking Mahatma Gandhi’s insightful words, “A society grows great when men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” Prime Minister Modi articulated the enduring vision underpinning this spiritual initiative. He emphasized that Jainism offers practical tools for balanced living in the modern age, seamlessly integrating material progress with profound spiritual insight, rather than advocating mere renunciation.
The event at Vigyan Bhavan also served as a powerful testament to India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage. PM Modi announced the significant conferment of classical language status on Prakrit and Pali, the ancient languages that have carried Jain thought across millennia. He highlighted the subtle yet significant presence of Jain architectural influences within India’s new Parliament building.
Recognizing Jainism as a philosophy both “scientific and sensitive,” Prime Minister Modi lauded JITO for orchestrating this remarkable global convergence, uniting diverse voices from over 108 countries in a rare and inspiring moment of spiritual solidarity.
A worldwide embrace: Navkar and Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resonant belief that “The world is looking at India with a ray of hope… Wherever they go, they think and act towards the benefit of society,” found tangible expression as JITO chapters across the globe, often in concert with Indian embassies, hosted celebrations of Vishwa Navkar Mantra Divas alongside Mahavir Janma Kalyanak (birth anniversary on April 10 of Lord Mahavir).
From the energetic heart of Mumbai to the diplomatic corridors of Washington, a profound sense of belonging wove through the global Jain community. United by the enduring values of compassion, interdependence, and unwavering spiritual discipline, they continue to serve as vital carriers of ancient wisdom in our rapidly evolving world.
Devotion, dialogue, and art: Embassy events illuminate shared values
These worldwide gatherings mirrored a growing global embrace of spiritual harmony, unity, and the pursuit of inner awakening. In Washington D.C., the JITO chapter, in collaboration with the Embassy of India, hosted an evening that fostered connection and dialogue over a community dinner. A mesmerizing dance performance by Kavya Zaveri and Harshvi Shah brought the Navkar Mantra to life through graceful devotion, serving as a poignant reminder of the mantra’s living essence of non-violence, self-restraint, and inner peace.
Diplomatic bridges built on shared philosophy
JITO leaders met Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the US, exploring the Jain community’s expanding global influence and the profound role of Jain philosophy in navigating the complex challenges of the modern world.
A unified pulse of peace across continents
From the diplomatic corridors of Washington, DC to the vibrant landscapes of Dubai, the energetic heart of Mumbai to the serene corners of Melbourne, a profound sense of belonging wove through the global Jain community. United by the enduring values of compassion, interdependence, and unwavering spiritual discipline, they continue to serve as vital carriers of ancient wisdom in our rapidly evolving world. The evening in Washington echoed with Mahatma Gandhi’s powerful affirmation, “Where there is love, there is life,” inspiring a renewed global commitment to spreading the transformative message of the Navkar Mantra and the profound teachings of Lord Mahavir.
Thane’s gathering: A local echo of global spiritual awakening
In Thane, a suburb of Mumbai, over 2,000 individuals, joined by thousands more online, participated in JITO Thane’s Navkar Divas, led by Chairwoman Nayna Parmar. The event resonated deeply with core Jain values through a powerful Samuhik Jaap, a collective recitation of 108 Navkar Mantras. Nayna described the “deeply grounding” sound created by this unified chanting, recognizing the mantra’s “universally powerful” essence. Nayna emphasized that this collective unity and shared passion were actively shaping history, representing a profound spiritual alignment in motion.
Navkar’s transformative power: Ancient wisdom meets modern science
In our time of pervasive anxiety, the timeless Navkar Mantra continues to echo across centuries, offering both a steadfast anchor and a pathway to profound spiritual ascent. As Aadi Dedhia, a 17-year-old spiritual guide who blends conducting Jain discourses, Bhav Yatras, Pujans, and Jaaps with his academic pursuits, aptly articulated, “Only one mantra earns the title of Mahamantra—and that’s the Navkar.”
A groundbreaking global experiment in consciousness
From the very inception of Vishwa Mahamantra Navkar Divas, a key objective was to rigorously study the multifaceted psychophysiological, cognitive, and spiritual impact of this powerful mantra through the scientific lens, explained Rahul Kapoor Jain, a mindset coach and motivational speaker. In a groundbreaking collaboration, researchers partnered with the esteemed HeartMath Institute in California to measure the effects of a synchronized 42-minute Navkar Mantra recitation. This experiment involved thousands of participants spanning continents, from the distinguished halls of Vigyan Bhavan to serene temples in Dubai and Washington.
In his address at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the contemporary relevance of Jainism’s core tenets: Anekantavada (acceptance of multiple truths) and Parasparopagraho Jivanam (the interdependence of all life), positioning them as potent antidotes to the pervasive polarization of our times.
Science unveils the power of stillness: Compelling data emerges
A research framework was designed that merges the wisdom of ancient contemplative practices with cutting-edge biometric technology. Participants gathered in a serene, controlled environment, shielded from external distractions. Two preparatory prayers—Khamemi Savve Jiva and Shivamastu Sarva Jagatah—were employed to quiet the mental chatter and prime the nervous system for deep stillness. Throughout the chanting, real-time biometric data was collected using advanced electrodermal sensors to measure stress levels via skin conductance, thermal imaging to capture subtle shifts in body temperature, heart rate monitors and HRV trackers to assess cardiac coherence, sensitive respiration belts to monitor breath rhythm, and advanced emotional recognition software to decode facial micro-expressions and galvanic responses—painting a moment-by-moment physiological portrait of inner transformation.
The results were remarkable: skin conductance dropped from 17 to 12 μS, indicating a shift from a state of stress to a state of profound calm. Simultaneously, body temperature rose from 25°C to 30°C, signaling improved circulation and a newfound sense of internal warmth. Heart rate stabilized at an average of 78 beats per minute while Heart Rate Variability (HRV) achieved 100% smoothness—a significant marker of enhanced emotional resilience and harmonious mind-body synchronicity. Furthermore, respiration slowed to a meditative 9.65 seconds per breath, guiding participants into a deep state of meditative absorption.
These physiological shifts occurred without any external sensory input—a testament to the intrinsic power of the mantra’s vibration, the collective intention of the participants, and the deep wellspring of inner silence it unlocked. In a world often fragmented by disconnection and external stimuli, this extraordinary moment stood as a powerful collective testimony: that within the stillness of our being lies profound strength, and that within age-old practices lie profound answers that modern science is only now beginning to fully comprehend.
Chandan Nishar, the convener of Navkar Divas in Mumbai, eloquently shared her personal experience: “I wasn’t just a convener — I was a conduit. Soaked in Jainism, the Navkar Mantra had long lived in my heart. But that day, its resonance roared within me, shaking my very being. What started as a role became a revelation. Surrounded by unwavering vision and a synchronized team, I witnessed devotion in motion. Thousands chanting as one — eyes closed, hearts open — left me breathless. In that stillness, I realized true leadership is surrender. Seva is worship. The Navkar Mantra isn’t just recited— it’s lived.”
A living mantra for a living planet
On this landmark April 9, the transformative Mahamantra resonated across the globe, uniting voices spanning 108 countries and over 100 cities in a shared vibration of profound peace, deep surrender, and sacred sanctity. Navkar Divas stood as a vibrant and living testament to the enduring power of timeless wisdom meeting a critical modern moment, profoundly reaffirming faith for the global Jain community. And as the collective aspiration echoed, Savi jiv karu shaasan rasi—may all beings be steeped in dharma, now and always.
Appreciating the Navkar Mantra
The Navkar Mantra—also known as the Namokar Mantra—is one of the most important prayers in Jainism. Its recitation is a daily ritual for many devotees and a symbolic expression of peace and non-violence.
Meaning and Structure
The mantra consists of nine (nava) parts that collectively praise the virtues of omniscience, perfection, and liberation. Unlike many mantras that invoke deities, the Navkar Mantra does not seek favors but rather expresses deep respect for enlightened beings, encouraging individuals to cultivate similar virtues.
- Namo Arihantanam: I bow down to the Arihants, those who have overcome their passions and are on the path of liberation.
- Namo Siddhanam: I bow down to the Siddhas, those who have attained complete liberation and are free from karma.
- Namo Ayariyanam: I bow down to the Acharyas, spiritual masters who guide others on the path of Jainism.
- Namo Uvajjhayanam: I bow down to the Upadhyayas, teachers who impart knowledge of the Jain scriptures.
- Namo Loe Savva Sahunam: I bow down to all Sadhus and Sadhvis (monks and nuns) who are practicing the path of Jainism.
- Eso Panch Namokaro: This five-fold salutation.
- Savva Pavappanasano: It destroys all sins.
- Manglanam ch Savvesim: Among all that is auspicious.
- Padhamam Havai Mangalam: This is the foremost auspiciousness.
Key Teachings of the Navkar Mantra
- Non-attachment: Emphasizes detachment from materialistic desires.
- Non-violence (Ahimsa): Advocates for compassion toward all life forms.
- Self-realization: Encourages introspection and personal spiritual growth.
- Respect for Enlightened Beings: Honors those who have attained spiritual liberation.
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