Ahead of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reflected on the profound spiritual impact of the ‘Navkar Mahamantra,’ describing it as a guiding force that connects the individual to society and termed it as a ‘center of faith’ and the "fundamental note of our life.” He emphasized that its value transcends spiritual boundaries.
Sharing his thoughts after a collective chanting session at the Vigyan Bhavan, the Prime Minister said, "I am still experiencing the spiritual power of the Navkar Mahamantra within me. A few years ago, I had witnessed a similar collective chanting in Bengaluru, and today I felt the same sensation, with just as much depth.”
Ahead of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the Navkar Mahamantra Divas and chanted the ‘Navkar Mahamantra’ with others at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan.
Mahavir Jayanti this year is on April 10 (Thursday) celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Navkar Mahamantra Divas serves as a spiritual curtain-raiser to this revered Jain festival.
Mahavir Jayanti is a highly revered festival, primarily observed by the Jain community. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. On this sacred day, devotees honor his teachings, express deep gratitude, and perform various rituals with devotion.
Five fundamental principles
This sacred festival is dedicated to honoring the five fundamental principles taught by Lord Mahavir: non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). These values form the foundation of Jain philosophy and promote a life of compassion, integrity, and self-discipline.
Before inaugurating the event, the Prime Minister urged everyone to chant the ‘Navkar Mahamantra’ together.
According to PM Modi, the influence of Jainism is visible at the new Parliament building. The new building comprises an idol of Tirthankara and a painting of Lord Mahavir on the roof of the Constitution Hall.
According to reports, the initiative saw participation across 6,000 locations in India and extended to 108 countries, inviting people to come together for the universal recitation of the Navkar Mahamantra.
The PM, with several others, chanted the 'Navkar Mahamantra' during the program.
Before the event, PM Modi wrote on X, “Come, let’s all chant the Navkar Mahamantra together at 8.27 am. Let every voice bring peace, strength and harmony. Let us all come together to enhance the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness.”
PM Modi on Wednesday called the Navkar Mahamantra the center of faith. He also said he had been in the company of Jain Acharyas since he was born in Gujarat.
“The Navkar Mahamantra is not just a mantra. It is the center of our faith and its importance is not just spiritual. It shows the path to everyone, from self to society,” the Prime Minister said. “The Navkar Mantra says ‘believe in yourself’. The enemy is not outside, it is inside us. Negative thinking, dishonesty, and selfishness are the enemies and winning over them is the real victory. Jainism inspires us to win over ourselves,” he said.
(Courtesy: Free Press Journal and Money Control)
