Answer

In Jain practice, there is no universal rule that you must count 3 Navkar Mantras before drinking water during Ekashana.

However, many families, gacchas, or local traditions encourage saying Navkar Mantra before taking food or water as a way of remembering the Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhus with devotion.

Explanation

During Ekashana, the main discipline is:

• To eat only once in the day, within the proper time and rules followed in your tradition.
• To take only acceptable food and water according to the vow you have taken.
• To maintain awareness, restraint, and purity of intention.

Saying 3 Navkar Mantras before drinking water may be a personal or family practice, but it should not be treated as a compulsory scriptural rule for everyone unless your guru, family tradition, or specific vow has instructed it.

Spiritual Understanding

Reciting Navkar before drinking water is spiritually beneficial because it brings mindfulness and gratitude. It reminds us that even simple acts like drinking water should be done with awareness and restraint.

Takeaway

You do not necessarily have to count 3 Navkar before drinking water in Ekashana, unless it is part of the rule you personally accepted or your tradition follows. If unsure, follow the guidance of your Jain guru or elders.