Namokar Mantra

Navkar Mantra

णमोकार मंत्र 

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - नमो अरिहंताणं |

हिन्दी भाषा - मैं अरिहंतों को नमन करता हूँ

Hinglish - Namo Arihantānam I

English - Bow to the Arihants.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - नमो सिद्धानम |

हिन्दी भाषा - मैं सिद्धों को नमन करता हूँ।

Hinglish - Namo Siddhāṇaṁ I

English - Bow to the Siddhas.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - नमो आयरियाणं ।

हिन्दी भाषा - मैं आचार्य को नमन करता हूँ।

Hinglish - Namo Ayariyāṇaṁ I

English - Bow to the Aacharyas.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - नमो उवज्झायनं |

हिन्दी भाषा - मैं उपाध्यायों को नमन करता हूँ।

Hinglish - Namo Uvajjhāyāṇaṁ I

English - Bow to the Upadhyayas.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - नमो लोए सव्व साहूणं।

हिन्दी भाषा - मैं विश्व के सभी ऋषियों को नमन करता हूँ।

Hinglish - Namo Loe Savva Sahunaṁ I

English - Bow to all the Rishis of the world.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - एसो पञ्च नमोक्करो, सव्व पवप्पनस्नो।

हिन्दी भाषा - यह पंचांग नमस्कार सभी पापों का मूल नाश देता है।

Hinglish - Eso Pancha Namokkaro, Savva Pavappanasano |

English - This Panchangic Namaskar completely destroys all sins.

प्राक्रतिक भाषा - मंगल नाम च सव्वेसिम, पथं हवै मंगलम।

हिन्दी भाषा - और, सभी शुभ मंत्रों में, (यह) वास्तव में सबसे शुभ है।

Hinglish - Mangala Nama Ca Savvesin, Padam Havai Mangalam |

English - All the auspicious mantras, (this) is indeed the most auspicious.

Complete Guide to Jain Communities: Types, Varieties and Full Form of Jain Terms

Introduction: Understanding Jain Communities

The Full Form of JAIN in the context of religious communities refers to followers of Jainism - an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and spiritual liberation. People who practice Jainism, an ancient religion of the Indian subcontinent, are collectively referred to as Jains. Understanding the various types and varieties of Jain communities provides insight into one of India's most influential religious traditions.

What is the Full Form of Jain?

While "Jain" is not an acronym, it derives from the Sanskrit word "Jina," meaning "conqueror" - referring to spiritual teachers who have conquered their inner enemies of attachment, hatred, and ignorance. The term encompasses all followers of Jainism, regardless of their specific community or sect.

Major Classifications of Jain Communities

1. Religious Sectarian Divisions

Digambara Jains

It has two major ancient sub-traditions, Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras, which hold different views on ascetic practices, gender, and the texts considered canonical. Digambara means "sky-clad" and represents one of the two main sects of Jainism. This community includes various sub-communities primarily found in South India and parts of North India.

Śvētāmbara Jains

The Śvētāmbara tradition, meaning "white-clad," forms the other major sectarian division. Both sub-traditions have mendicants supported by laypersons (śrāvakas and śrāvikas). This sect is predominantly found in Western and Northern India.

2. Social Community Structure

Jainism has a fourfold order of muni (male monastics), aryika (female monastics), Śrāvaka (layman) and sravika (laywoman). This order is known as a sangha.

Monastic Communities

• Muni: Male ascetics who have renounced worldly life

• Aryika: Female ascetics following strict spiritual practices

• Sadhus and Sadhvis: General terms for Jain monks and nuns

Lay Communities

• Śrāvaka: Male lay followers

• Śrāvika: Female lay followers

Major Jain Castes and Sub-Communities

Primary Jain Communities

The Agrawala, Oswala, Srimali, Chaturtha, and Panchama are some of the more important Jain castes. Each of these communities has distinct cultural practices, traditional occupations, and geographical concentrations.

1. Agrawala Jains

One of the largest Jain communities, primarily found in North India, traditionally engaged in trade and commerce.

2. Oswala Jains

Some castes such as the Oswala are divided into major endogamous groups such as Bisa and Dasa, and these are even further divided into exogamous clans or gotras, and over 500 subclans. This demonstrates the complex social structure within individual Jain communities.

3. Srimali Jains

Predominantly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, known for their business acumen and cultural contributions.

4. Chaturtha Jains

A significant community with strong presence in Western India.

5. Panchama Jains

Another important sub-community within the broader Jain social structure.

Regional Variations and Sub-Communities

North Indian Jain Communities

• Khandelwal

• Goyal

• Mittal

• Singhal

• Jangid

South Indian Jain Communities

The Jain community now holds a high position in Tindivanam taluk, and includes wealthy traders and some of quite the most intelligent agriculturists there. Southern communities include:

• Bunt Jains

• Jain Naidu

• Various regional trading communities

Western Indian Jain Communities

• Gujarati Jains

• Marwari Jains

• Kutchi Jains

Occupational and Professional Varieties

Traditional Occupations

Jain communities have historically been associated with:

• Trading and Commerce: Majority of Jains have been involved in business

• Banking and Finance: Many Jain families established successful financial institutions

• Textiles and Jewelry: Significant presence in these industries

• Agriculture: some of quite the most intelligent agriculturists there

Modern Professional Diversity

Contemporary Jain communities are found in:

• Information Technology

• Healthcare and Medicine

• Education and Academia

• Manufacturing Industries

• Real Estate Development

Cultural and Linguistic Varieties

Language Groups

Jain communities speak various languages based on their geographical location:

• Hindi-speaking Jains: North India

• Gujarati-speaking Jains: Gujarat and Mumbai

• Rajasthani-speaking Jains: Rajasthan

• Marathi-speaking Jains: Maharashtra

• Kannada and Tamil-speaking Jains: South India

Cultural Practices

Different Jain communities maintain distinct:

• Festival celebrations

• Culinary traditions

• Wedding customs

• Temple architectural styles

• Art and literature traditions

Full Form of Key Jain Terms

Religious Terms

• JINA: Spiritual conqueror (not an acronym)

• TIRTHANKARA: Ford-maker or spiritual teacher

• AHIMSA: Non-violence principle

• DHARMA: Religious duty and righteousness

Community Terms

• SANGHA: Four-fold religious community

• GACCHA: Monastic lineage or tradition

• GOTRA: Clan or family lineage

• PRAVARA: Sub-clan identification

Modern Jain Communities and Demographics

Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the three ancient religious traditions and an integral part of South Asian belief and practice. Modern Jain communities continue to play significant roles in:

Economic Contributions

• Major business houses

• Philanthropic institutions

• Educational establishments

• Healthcare facilities

Social Organizations

• Community associations

• Cultural preservation societies

• Educational trusts

• Charitable foundations

Challenges and Adaptations

Contemporary Issues

Modern Jain communities face various challenges:

• Maintaining religious practices in urban settings

• Preserving traditional knowledge and customs

• Balancing modern lifestyle with religious principles

• Inter-community marriages and social changes

Adaptive Measures

Communities are adapting through:

• Digital preservation of scriptures and traditions

• Modern temple designs and community centers

• Online religious education programs

• Global Jain community networks

Conclusion

Understanding the full spectrum of Jain communities reveals the rich diversity within this ancient religious tradition. From the Full Form of various Jain terms to the complex social structures of different communities, Jainism represents a multifaceted religious and cultural heritage. The various types and varieties of Jain communities - whether classified by sectarian beliefs, geographical location, occupational background, or cultural practices - collectively contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Indian society.

Each Jain community, while maintaining its unique identity and traditions, shares the common principles of non-violence, truth, and spiritual advancement that define Jainism. As these communities continue to evolve and adapt to modern challenges, they maintain their essential religious and cultural values while contributing significantly to contemporary society through business, education, healthcare, and philanthropy.