The Navkar Mantra is in Prakrit, specifically Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, the ancient sacred language used in many Jain scriptures.

It is not in Sanskrit, though some words may sound similar.

The Navkar Mantra begins:

णमो अरिहंताणं Namo Arihantāṇaṁ

Meaning: “I bow to the Arihants.”