Answer

If you are doing Ekasana today, you may drink water after waking up before you formally begin the Ekasana vow/discipline for the day, according to the practice followed in your family, Sangh, or under your Guru’s guidance.

Once you begin the Ekasana observance, you should follow its rules properly.

Explanation

In Jain practice, Ekasana generally means eating only once in one sitting during the day, with proper restraint and awareness.

Regarding water:

• Many people drink water in the morning before starting their Ekasana.
• Some observe stricter rules and avoid drinking after a certain time or after taking the vow.
• Practices can differ by tradition, family custom, and Guru guidance.

So the safest answer is: drink water after waking up if it is before your Ekasana niyam begins.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of Ekasana is not only eating less, but practicing:

• Sanyam — self-control
• Jagruti — awareness
• Tap — austerity
• Ahimsa-bhav — reducing harm and desires

Takeaway

Drink water in the morning before starting your Ekasana niyam. After that, follow the specific rule taught in your Jain tradition or by your Guru.