Namotthunam Sutra — also known as Shakrastava — is revered as a Stavan, a devotional hymn, and a Manglik (auspicious invocation). It is a heartfelt expression of the highest gratitude toward the most supreme beings of the universe — the Tirthankaras.
Whenever a spiritual awakening or a momentous event occurs in the life of a Tirthankara, the first to know is Shakra, the king of celestial beings. Upon this divine revelation, he descends from his throne, sits in the Namotthunam posture, and offers his respects to the Tirthankara, remembering their immense favor through the Namotthunam Sutra.
This is why it is called Shakrastava — because it originates from Shakra’s praise. Not just one, but all sixty-four Indras chant Namotthunam from their thrones, resonating in unison through the heavens. Even without seeing the Tirthankara physically, celestial beings offer indirect, yet the highest form of veneration through this Sutra.
Namotthunam is eternal — past, present, and future celestial beings have and will continue to chant it in divine resonance.
📖 Namotthunam in Jain Scriptures and Practice
This Sutra is not confined to the heavens. In human tradition too, it is profoundly revered.
From Achārāṅga Sutra to the Dvādaśāṅga, every scripture begins with Namotthunam. Gautam Swami would not commence his spiritual discussions without this invocation. Even the conclusion of discourses is incomplete without it. It is the most powerful Sutra of remembrance and spiritual energy.
Even the Ganadharas (chief disciples of the Tirthankaras) used Namotthunam to bow before the Lord. This practice continues through the lineage — from Sudharma Swami, Jambu Swami, all the way to the present and future. That’s why Jain Shastras give Namotthunam a supreme place.
🙏 The Essence of Stav-Stuti-Mangal
- Stav – Singing virtues
- Stuti – Offering praise
- Mangal – Leading to internal purification
Through this, our ego dissolves, and the remembrance of divine favors fills our hearts.
Before any major spiritual practice, Jainism emphasizes Kṣetra Vishuddhi — purification of both the soul and the surrounding space. It includes:
- Upāsanā – Intention to serve and remember the Guru
- Namaskār Smaraṇa – Recitation of Navkar Mantra and worship of 108 virtues
- Māngalik – Surrender to the Supreme
- Iriyāvahi – Forgiveness and harmony with the world
- Tassauttari – Realization of the soul
- Logassa Sutra – Clarity of life’s goal
- Stav-Stuti-Mangal – Namotthunam, the remembrance of divine favors
🌼 Why Namotthunam?
We already remember Arihants, Siddhas, and Gurus in other prayers like Navkar Mantra, Chattāri Mangalam, and Logassa. So, why again in Namotthunam?
Because Namotthunam’s central focus is gratitude.
It is the only Sutra that explicitly remembers the favors of Arihants, Siddhas, and Gurus — “Because of you, I have progressed in spirituality. Amidst the world’s chaos, I experience peace. You showed me the path of Dharma and gave me strength to walk it. For this, I am eternally grateful.”
🪷 The Deep Meaning of Namotthunam Sutra
The Sutra includes spiritual titles and attributes of the Tirthankaras, such as:
- Arihantāṇam Bhagavantāṇam – Enlightened Conquerors
- Sayamsambuddhāṇam – Self-realized Ones
- Purisasīhāṇam – Lion among men
- Lokanāhāṇam – Lords of the Universe
- Abhayadāyāṇam – Givers of fearlessness
- Maggadāyāṇam – Givers of the liberation path
- Dhammadāyāṇam – Preachers of Dharma
- Sabbannūṇam – Omniscient Ones
- Siva, Mayala, Maruya – Blissful, Immovable, Disease-free
- Avvābādā, Mapunarāvitti – Free from pain and rebirth
These names are not mere labels, but praises of the qualities they embody.
🔄 Siddhas First, Then Arihants?
In Namotthunam, Siddhas come first and Arihants second. Why?
Because:
- When a Tirthankara renounces the world, he first bows to Siddhas.
- Every time a Siddha attains liberation, a soul trapped in Nigoda (lowest form of existence) is released and moves toward human birth. That liberation opens the door for another soul to progress.
Thus, we first express our gratitude to Siddhas, for it is their Moksha that allows our spiritual journey to begin.
🙇♂️ The Third Namotthunam
The third form of Namotthunam is in Ardhamagadhi, the ancient Jain language:
“Namotthunam mama dhammovadesagassa vandāmi naṁ bhagavantaṁ…”
Here, the devotee bows to the Guru, offering mental surrender and seeking blessings through sight and devotion. In many traditions, this is done in local languages today, but its origin is in Ardhamagadhi.
🧘♂️ Namotthunam Āsan – The Special Posture
Namotthunam is chanted in a distinct yogic posture:
- Right knee touching the ground
- Left leg folded atop
- Palms joined in Anjali Mudra over the head
This special āsan underscores the unique spiritual power of Namotthunam.
🔚 Conclusion: The Sutra of Living Gratitude
Namotthunam is not just a chant; it is a vibrational offering of remembrance, surrender, and immense thankfulness. It is the only Sutra dedicated entirely to expressing how deeply we are indebted to the Tirthankaras and spiritual Gurus — not for material gains, but for awakening us to the path of liberation.
Whether celestial beings chant it in heaven, or we recite it here on Earth — its purpose remains one:
To remember the favor.
To bow in gratitude.
To walk the path of Dharma with humility and joy.