Rajbhog thali

maintaining hygiene in the kitchen

Kitchen Standards:

Just as we must select pure, excellent foods to offer to Krsna, so we must also prepare them purely. To prepare food for the Lord, one must meticulously observe the rules for cleanliness and take the utmost care to prepare the food properly. The consciousness of the cook enters into the food he prepares, and therefore he should strive to be Krsna conscious while in the kitchen. The kitchen, where the Lord’s food is prepared, is an extension of the deity room, where He eats. So the same high standard of cleanliness should be maintained.

The kitchen is thoroughly cleaned regularly, including inside the stoves, ovens, and refrigerators. Not leaving unclean saucepans and utensils lying around in the kitchen. Cleaning them after they are used (the sooner they are cleaned after use, the easier they are to clean). Eating or drinking in the kitchen is not allowed nor should anyone use the sink for spitting into or drinking from. Removing all garbage from the kitchen at least once a day.