You are referring to the line from Navkar (Namokar) Mantra:

“Namo Ayariyanam” (also written “Namo Āyariyāṇam / Namo Ayariyanam”)

Original (Prakrit): णमो आयरियाणं

Simple meaning (arth): “I bow to the Āchāryas – the heads of the Jain monk‑order, who guide us on the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.”

A bit more in easy words:

• Āchārya = the main spiritual leader among sadhus/sādhvīs.
• We are saluting their discipline, scriptural knowledge, and pure conduct, not their body or name.
• By remembering and bowing to such pure Gurus, we get inspiration to make our own life disciplined and spiritual.

Digambar & Shvetambar: Both traditions accept this line with the same core meaning. There may be a small difference only in pronunciation, but “Namo Ayariyanam” always means bowing to the Āchāryas.

You can read more about the Navkar Mantra and its lines here: