A widely recited sutra to chant while having darshan is the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra). It is considered a universal prayer honoring the five kinds of beings and the path to liberation.

Original text (Prakrit/Sanskrit):

• Namo Arihantanam
• Namo Siddhanam
• Namo Ayariyanam
• Namo Uvajjhayanam
• Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Transliteration:

• Namo Arihantanam
• Namo Siddhanam
• Namo Ayariyanam
• Namo Uvajjhayanam
• Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Meaning (arth) in simple terms:

• I bow to the Arihantas (enlightened beings who have realized the true nature of the soul and conquered inner enemies).
• I bow to the Siddhas (liberated souls who have attained final moksha).
• I bow to the Acharyas (spiritual teachers who guide others on the path).
• I bow to the Upadhyayas (learned teachers who impart Jain scriptures).
• I bow to all the Sadhus (renunciants) who live a true Jain life.

How to use it for darshan:

• Sit calmly before viewing or entering the temple or a place of pilgrimage.
• Take a few mindful breaths, then chant the Navkar Mantra slowly and with devotion.
• After the five-line mantra, you may add a short prayer of gratitude or a simple “Jain Jinendra” greeting if you like.

Notes:

• The Navkar Mantra is commonly used across major Jain traditions (Digambar and Śvetāmbara). The core sequence and five salutations remain the same, though some minor linguistic or cantillation differences may appear in regional recitations.
• If you are a beginner, you can begin with a shorter version by repeating the first line repeatedly: “Namo Arihantanam” for focus, then gradually include the rest.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief, easy-to-memorize chant cadence or a slower pronunciation guide to help you chant with darshan.