Answer

In the Pancha Parmesthi / Panch Namaskār Mantra, Arihant comes first even though Siddha is the final and highest liberated state, because Arihants are the living enlightened teachers who reveal the path to liberation.

Siddhas are completely liberated souls, but they are beyond body, speech, and activity. They do not preach. Arihants, while still embodied, teach Dharma and show the way by which souls can become Siddha.

Explanation

The order is:

• Namo Arihantāṇam — obeisance to Arihants
• Namo Siddhāṇam — obeisance to Siddhas
• Namo Āyariyāṇam — obeisance to Acharyas
• Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam — obeisance to Upadhyayas
• Namo Loe Savva Sāhūṇam — obeisance to all Sadhus/Sadhvis

From the viewpoint of ultimate spiritual perfection, Siddhas are the final state because they have no body, no karma, no rebirth, and remain forever in pure bliss and knowledge.

But from the viewpoint of guidance and gratitude, Arihants are placed first because:

• They destroy the inner enemies such as attachment and aversion.
• They attain Keval Jñān while still living in the world.
• They establish the fourfold Jain Sangh.
• They preach the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Without Arihants, we would not know the path to become Siddha.

Spiritual Understanding

A simple way to understand it is:

• Siddha is the final destination.
• Arihant is the enlightened guide who shows the way to that destination.

So, Arihant is first in the mantra not because Siddha is lower, but because Arihant is the visible and compassionate source of Dharma for worldly souls.

Takeaway

Siddha is the final state, but Arihant comes first in the Panch Namaskār Mantra because Arihant reveals the path that leads us to Siddhahood.