Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on April 9, an event rooted in spiritual harmony and global unity. The event will be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together participants from over 100 countries in a collective chant for peace.
Taking place just a day before Mahavir Jayanti, Navkar Mahamantra Divas serves as a spiritual curtain-raiser to this revered Jain festival. Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, who was born in 615 BC and is known for his profound teachings on non-violence and spiritual awakening.
Chanting for peace
This year’s Navkar Mahamantra celebration is no ordinary gathering. It’s being heralded as a global spiritual phenomenon, with Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) spearheading the event. The initiative will see participation across 6,000 locations in India and extend to 108 countries, inviting people to come together for the universal recitation of the Navkar Mahamantra.
What is the Navkar Mahamantra?
Central to the Jain faith, the Navkar Mahamantra is a deeply respected prayer that pays tribute to the enlightened souls, from Arihants to Sadhus. Unlike many religious chants, it does not focus on a specific god or deity but rather acknowledges spiritual purity, liberation, and humility. It’s a universal mantra, invoking virtues like non-violence (ahimsa), tolerance, and detachment.
The significance in today’s world
In light of ongoing global strife and societal unrest, this event aims to project a message of harmony, introspection, and spiritual reflection. The collective chant is expected to unite over 1 crore 8 lakh individuals, a staggering number, in a worldwide call for peace, echoing the core Jain philosophy: “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” (Non-violence is the highest religion).
Prime Minister’s personal note
Announcing his participation via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi described the event as a “very unique programme with a distinctly global imprint.” He emphasised the role of such spiritual gatherings in nurturing peace and compassion amidst “the troubling shadows of war, violence, and discord.”
Born into royalty as Vardhamana, Lord Mahavir renounced worldly pleasures at the age of 30 to pursue a path of deep meditation and austerity. After 12 years, he attained Kevala Jnana (ultimate knowledge) and laid the foundation for Jain Dharma. His timeless message of truth, compassion, and renunciation continues to inspire millions today.