In Hinduism, Bhiksha concept (alms seeking) is a customary practice. Bhiksha in Hindu religion literally means seeking food or money in charity. According to Vedic teachings, man’s life has four ashramas or stages. Bhiksha is a customary practice in a brahmacharya ashrama.
During the brahmacharya ashrama period, a boy lives with his
teacher and receives both religious and secular instructions. He is trained in
self-control and acquires knowledge. He is taught not to hanker after material
property and acquisition of wealth. His sole duty is to study Vedas. He takes
bhiksha (alms) from generous and pious persons who offer him food just
sufficient for his subsistence.
Even today in gurukulas, brahmacharis immediately after the upanayana
ceremony (sacred thread investing ceremony) are required to take alms to bhiksha
first from their own mother and thereafter from four others.
It is also enjoined upon the sannyasin (renouncer) and is
considered the best livelihood even for a householder brahmin. Thus, Adi
Shankaracharya, Buddha, Mahavir were all medicants because they were
renouncers.
In the Vamana incarnation, Vishnu was a mendicant and
obtained the entire universe as alms from the King Bali.
Even Indra, the king of gods, asked for, and got, the life
protecting armor and earrings of Karna from him so that the latter could become
vulnerable; of course, Indra had to impersonate a brahmin to beg for this.
Shiva has bhiksha as his only source of earning, although his
consort Goddess Parvati feeds the entire universe as Annapurna. Shiva thus
seeks alms before Goddess Annapurna.