Answer

If you want to drink water and eat before Navkarshi, then you should take the Pachkhan for Chauvihar / Tivihar ending before Navkarshi only if you are not observing Navkarshi.

But if you have taken Navkarshi Pachkhan, then traditionally you should not eat or drink before completing Navkarshi time.

Explanation

Navkarshi means giving up food and drink from the previous night until about 48 minutes after sunrise.

So:

• If you take Navkarshi Pachkhan, you should not eat or drink before Navkarshi time is completed.
• If you want to eat or drink before that time, then you should not take Navkarshi Pachkhan.
• You may instead take a shorter or different Pachkhan according to your capacity, after asking your Guru Maharaj / Sadhviji or knowledgeable elder.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Pachkhan is a sincere vow of restraint. It should be taken according to one’s true capacity, because once taken, it should be followed carefully.

Takeaway

If you want to eat or drink before Navkarshi, then do not take Navkarshi Pachkhan. Take guidance from your Guru or knowledgeable Jain elder for the correct Pachkhan according to your situation.