If you want a simple and pure Jain mantra to chant in the evening, recite the Navkār (Namokār) Mantra. It is timeless and suitable at any time, especially at day’s end.

Navkār Mantra (Prakrit) णमो अरिहंताणं। णमो सिद्धाणं। णमो आयरियाणं। णमो उवज्झायाणं। णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं। एसो पंच नमोक्कारो, सव्वपावप्पणासणो। मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पढमं हवइ मंगलं॥

Meaning (very simple)

• I bow to Arihants (omniscients).
• I bow to Siddhas (liberated souls).
• I bow to Āchāryas (spiritual leaders).
• I bow to Upādhyāyas (teachers).
• I bow to all Sādhus (ascetics).

These five salutations destroy sins; among all auspicious things, this is the foremost.

Helpful evening additions

• Kṣamāpanā (forgiveness bhāvanā):

“Khamemi savve jīvā, savve jīvā khamantu me. Mitti me savva bhūesu, veram majjha na kenai.” Meaning: I forgive all beings, may all forgive me. I have friendship with all; I have enmity with none.

• Logassa Sūtra: Praise of the 24 Tīrthaṅkaras, often included in evening devotion.

• Uvasaggaharam Stotra: Devotional hymn to Bhagwān Pārśvanāth for removal of obstacles; many devotees chant it in the evening with śraddhā.

Tradition note

• Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions revere the Navkār Mantra equally and use it in evening prayers. The sequence and wording of some evening Pratikraman sūtras may differ slightly between traditions, but the core intent—repentance, forgiveness, and steadiness in dharma—is the same.

Simple way to practice this evening

• Sit clean and calm, face east or north if possible.
• Do 1–3 minutes of quiet breath awareness.
• Chant Navkār Mantra 9, 27, or 108 times with meaning.
• Conclude with Kṣamāpanā and a brief silence wishing sarva-jīva-kalyāṇ.

For easy guides and texts

• Navkār Mantra overview and practice
• How to chant Navkār Mantra (vidhi)
• Evening Pratikraman basics in English
• Logassa Sūtra notes
• Uvasaggaharam Stotra (text/meaning)