Skanda Purana — Kashi Khanda, Shloka 12
अग्निमात्मनि चाधाय विचरेदनिकेतनः । भिक्षयेत्प्राणयात्रार्थं तापसान्वनवासिनः
agnimātmani cādhāya vicaredaniketanaḥ | bhikṣayetprāṇayātrārthaṃ tāpasānvanavāsinaḥ
Having kindled the sacred fire within himself, he should wander without a fixed dwelling; and for the mere maintenance of life he may seek alms from forest-dwelling ascetics.
Skanda (deduced: Kāśīkhaṇḍa commonly Skanda → Agastya)
Scene: A wandering ascetic with no dwelling, carrying a staff and water-pot, a subtle flame-like aura at the heart symbolizing inner fire; he approaches a forest hermitage to request alms modestly, receiving a small portion.
FAQs
True renunciation is inward—carrying the sacred fire as inner discipline—while living lightly and without attachment to residence or possessions.
It is framed within the Kāśī Khaṇḍa’s sacred ethos, presenting the renunciant model suitable for seekers in or oriented toward Kāśī.
Bhikṣā is permitted only for prāṇa-yātrā—minimal sustenance—reflecting restraint rather than dependence.