Ńamokar, Namokar, or Navkar Mantra? Why the Confusion?

*Ńamokar, Namokar, or Navkar Mantra? Why the Confusion?*

— _Prof. Anekant Kumar Jain, New Delhi, anekant76@gmail.com_ 

On 9th April 2025, the whole world came together to chant the sacred _Namokar Mantra._ 

This beautiful and powerful event was organised by JITO and was even supported by the Prime Minister, who gave a special speech from Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

It was truly a proud and historic moment.

However, some people were confused by one thing—

Why were all the posters calling it “ _Navkar Day_ ”, when the real name of the mantra is “ _Ńamokar Mantra_ ” ?

Let’s clear this confusion.

 _Ńamokar, Namokar, and Navkar_ – all these words mean the same thing: a respectful salutation or bowing down.

In Shauraseni prakrit (used in Digambara Jain tradition), the mantra starts with “ _Ńamo_ ” (णमो).

In Ardhamagadhi prakrit (used in Shwetambar Jain tradition), it appears as “ _Namo_ ” (नमो).

Later, due to language changes over time (in Prakrit and Apabhramsha), the word became _“ _Navkar_ ” (नवकार).

Because of these language changes, especially in old Hindi and Gujarati, people started calling it Navkar Mantra.

Even old Jain apbhransh literature like 'Navkar Raas' by Jinprabha Suri use the word Navkar.

So, now a days in Hindi bhajans also, we hear lines like:

“Navkar mantra hai nyara, humko pranon se pyara.”

(Meaning: The Navkar Mantra is unique and very dear to us.)

So, saying _Navkar_ is not wrong. It has become a common way of referring to the mantra.

But—when we are talking about the mantra in its original or scriptural form, especially in religious texts like Pratikraman, it is more respectful and correct to use the term _Ńamokar Mantra_ (or — _Namaskar Mahamantra_ 

 in Sanskritized Hindi).

Now comes the confusion part— Some people thought that “ _Nav_ ” in _Navkar_ means the number 9.

So, they linked it with:

9th April

9 forms of Goddess Durga

9 tattvas (spiritual elements)

But this is a misunderstanding.

In this mantra, _Nav_ does not mean 9. It is not about numbers.

It just came from old language usage. So, connecting it with the number 9 is incorrect.

In conclusion:

Let’s choose our words wisely.

There is still time to make the correction.

We respectfully suggest— Let’s call this day _Ńamokar Day_ , not Navkar Day.

That way, the true meaning and essence of this holy mantra will remain clear and pure.