Answer

In front of a Jain Maharaj Saheb, the most respectful mantra to recite is the Navkar Mantra:

Namo Arihantanam
Namo Siddhanam
Namo Airiyanam
Namo Uvajjhayanam
Namo Loye Savva Sahunam
Eso Panch Namokaro
Savva Pava Panasano
Mangalanam Cha Savvesim
Padhamam Havai Mangalam

Explanation

This is the highest and most respected Jain mantra. It offers reverence to:

• Arihants
• Siddhas
• Acharyas
• Upadhyayas
• Sadhus

If you are greeting a Maharaj Saheb, you may also do pranam / vandan respectfully and then say the Navkar Mantra.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the Navkar Mantra is sacred because it expresses humility, reverence, and purity of thought. It reminds us to bow to the virtues of enlightened souls and to keep our mind शांत, विनम्र, and श्रद्धालु.

Takeaway

If you are unsure what to say in front of a Maharaj Saheb, simply recite the Navkar Mantra with respect and devotion.