Saying the Navkar Mantra affects karma by purifying the inner state of the soul.

In Jain Dharma, the main effect is:

• It reduces sinful thoughts and passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• It creates punya-bhav — auspicious, respectful, and pure feelings.
• It helps stop new karma-bandh by turning the mind toward reverence and humility.
• It supports nirjara — the gradual shedding of existing karma, especially when chanted with devotion, concentration, and right understanding.

Important point: The mantra is not a magical word. In Jain philosophy, its power comes from the bhav (inner intent) with which it is recited. If someone recites it sincerely, with faith and awareness, it helps the soul become cleaner and lighter from karmic bondage.

The Navkar Mantra is especially powerful because it offers reverence to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. This reverence reminds the soul of the path to liberation and strengthens right conduct.

In short: Navkar Mantra does not “delete” karma instantly, but it purifies the mind, reduces harmful karmic bondage, and supports liberation.