“Padhamam aṇuvāyāmi” (often heard as “Padhme anu vaiyaami”) is an Ardhamāgadhī-Prakrit phrase used in Jain liturgy.

• Original (Ardhamāgadhī): Padhamam aṇuvāyāmi
• Simple meaning (arth): “First, I repeat (after the teacher).” It signals, with humility, “I now begin by reciting as instructed.”

Context

• In Śvetāmbara Pratikraman and related rites, the devotee says this before repeating a sūtra or section led by the ācārya/paṇḍit. It’s a respectful way to begin the guided recitation.
• Digambara tradition generally conveys the same idea of beginning respectful recitation, though this exact wording is less common; the sense is preserved through equivalent openings in their liturgy.

Essence

• It expresses vinaya (humility) and saṁyam (discipline): the practitioner does not speak independently but follows the śruta (teaching) as led by the preceptor.