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Significance of Cleanliness of food

Cleanliness of food, according to the Purana, signifies the highest state of purity concerning one’s diet. It pertains to the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic approach to eating. Similarly, the Dharmashastra emphasizes that Cleanliness of food involves ensuring purity and hygiene in food selection and consumption practices. Both texts underscore the value of cleanliness in dietary habits as a fundamental principle for health and spiritual well-being.

Synonyms: Food hygiene, Food safety, Food sanitation, Food purity

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Cleanliness of food'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Cleanliness of food emphasizes dietary purity as the ultimate cleanliness, focusing on hygiene and the sanctity of consumption practices to uphold spiritual and physical well-being.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Maintaining purity and hygiene in one's food and consumption practices.[1]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The state of purity regarding one’s diet, considered the highest form of cleanliness.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.