Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Navkar Mahamantra Divas celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday, highlighting the timeless spiritual, cultural, and philosophical significance of the sacred Jain chant. Addressing the gathering after a collective chanting session, PM Modi described the Navkar Mahamantra as a “centre of faith” and a guiding force from self-awareness to social harmony.
“I am still experiencing the spiritual power of the Navkar Mahamantra within me,” he said, recalling a similar event in Bengaluru that had left a lasting impact on him. “Each verse, each letter of this mantra is itself a mantra—deeply connected to the journey from the self to society, from the individual to the universe.”
He emphasized that the mantra is not limited to religious practice but offers universal guidance. “The mantra urges us to conquer the internal enemies—negativity, distrust, hostility, and selfishness. True victory lies in conquering the self, not the world,” he noted, connecting this idea with the core message of Jainism.
PM Modi also spoke about the cultural relevance of the number nine, noting its spiritual symbolism and presence across Indian traditions. “There are nine elements of life that guide us toward completeness. This is why the number nine has held special importance in our culture,” he said.
Speaking on the deeper connection between the Navkar Mahamantra and India’s vision for the future, he stated, “The mantra aligns with the vision of a developed India—a nation rooted in its heritage yet aiming for new heights. An India that moves forward without losing touch with its spiritual core.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significant contribution of Jainism to India’s intellectual and cultural legacy. He praised Jain literature as the “backbone of India’s intellectual grandeur” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving this heritage by granting Classical Language status to Prakrit and Pali—languages deeply associated with Jain and Buddhist philosophies.
The event, attended by Jain monks, scholars, dignitaries, and hundreds of devotees, was the central celebration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas, observed across India. The collective chanting session honored the five supreme beings—Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus—and promoted values of nonviolence, truth, inner peace, and self-discipline.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had invited the nation to join the chanting of the mantra at 8:27 AM, calling it a collective step toward peace, strength, and unity. He concluded his address by reiterating the power of spiritual traditions in building a more harmonious and inclusive society.
