Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended the Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, a spiritual precursor to Mahavir Jayanti. The ceremony, organised before the birthday of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, witnessed the Prime Minister recite the holy “Navkar Mahamantra” with participants.
Mass Participation Across India and Beyond
In an unprecedented country-wide and international endeavor, the Navkar Mahamantra Divas saw that more than 6,000 centers in India and 108 nations took part. Joint chanting of the Mahamantra was done to impart peace, harmony, and spiritual oneness.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with others, chants ‘Navkar Mahamantra’ at ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas’ program at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/sQGWQJCUOK
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2025
Before initiating the event, PM Modi encouraged citizens to collectively chant the mantra at 8.27 am. “Let us all recite the Navkar Mahamantra together at 8.27 am. Let every voice contribute to peace, strength, and harmony. Let’s all gather here to increase the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood,” he tweeted on X.
Come, let’s all chant the Navkar Mahamantra together at 8:27 AM!
णमो अरिहंताणं…
णमो सिद्धाणं…
णमो आयरियाणं…
णमो उवज्झायाणं…
णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं…
Let every voice bring peace, strength and harmony.
Let us all come together to enhance the spirit of brotherhood and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2025
Navkar Mahamantra: Centre of Faith
Speaking at the gathering, PM Modi referred to Navkar Mahamantra as the “center of our faith,” adding that its impact extends beyond the spiritual sphere. “The Navkar Mahamantra is not a mantra. It is the centre of our faith, and its significance is not spiritual only. It indicates the way to everyone, from self to society,” he asserted.
He also pondered his direct relationship with Jain people, saying, “I have been in the company of Jain Acharyas since I was born in Gujarat.”
PM Modi highlighted the importance of the mantra in the current world. “The Navkar Mantra utters ‘have faith in yourself. ‘ The enemy is not out there, it is within us. Negative thought, dishonesty, and self-interest are the enemies, and overcoming them is the true victory. Jainism encourages us to conquer ourselves,” he added.
Jain Influence in Parliament Building
Emphasizing the mark of Jain philosophy on the country’s democratic space, PM Modi informed that the new Parliament building features an idol of a Tirthankara and a painting of Lord Mahavir on the roof of the Constitution Hall. This, he added, is a testament to the deep-seated impact of Jain values in India’s cultural and constitutional landscape.
With Mahavir Jayanti looming on the horizon, the Prime Minister’s presence at the Navkar Mahamantra Divas lends a high spiritual value to the national celebrations.
