Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the spiritually significant ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, joining thousands of people in chanting the revered Jain mantra, the Navkar Mahamantra, known for its emphasis on peace, inner strength, and universal brotherhood.
Taking to social media, the Prime Minister invited the nation to join in unison:
“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,” he posted on X.
Significance of the Navkar Mantra
The Navkar Mahamantra is one of the most sacred chants in Jainism, paying homage to five supreme beings:
- Arihants – Perfected souls
- Siddhas – Liberated souls
- Acharyas – Spiritual leaders
- Upadhyayas – Preceptors
- Sadhus – Monks
This powerful, non-sectarian chant is not a prayer to a deity, but a deep expression of reverence and a reminder of one’s own spiritual potential. It transcends religious boundaries and is often embraced for meditative calm, spiritual reflection, and inner awakening.
Why 8:27 AM?
The chosen time, 8:27 AM, holds astrological and spiritual symbolism in Jain traditions. It is believed to align with periods of calm and clarity, ideal for collective meditation and spiritual focus.
A Call for Peace and National Unity
The Prime Minister’s gesture at the event is consistent with his larger vision of cultural inclusivity, spiritual heritage, and inner well-being as essential elements of nation-building. Events like this echo his earlier appeals during festivals like International Yoga Day and Ram Navami, where he stressed on the unifying power of India’s spiritual traditions.
“The Navkar Mahamantra is not just for Jains—it’s for all of humanity. It teaches us to respect knowledge, discipline, and compassion,” PM Modi had remarked in a previous speech on interfaith harmony.
Symbol of India’s Pluralism
With participation cutting across religious and regional lines, Navkar Mahamantra Divas stood as a symbol of India’s pluralistic ethos, where traditions from different faiths are celebrated and integrated into public life.