Who among the following criticized the orthodoxy of Hinduism by referring to it as the "religion of the kitchen"?

The correct option is

Swami Vivekananda

Explanation

Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in the revival of Hinduism in the late 19th century. He propagated Neo-Vedanta, which emphasized the spiritual oneness of existence and the application of Vedantic principles to daily life (Practical Vedanta), while strongly criticizing empty ritualism and caste-based discrimination.

Detailed Analysis

Swami Vivekananda was deeply critical of the orthodoxy that prioritized ritual purity, specifically regarding food and caste interactions, over genuine spiritual development. He observed that for many Hindus of his time, religion had been reduced to rigid rules about cooking and eating.

• He famously remarked, "Our religion is in the kitchen. Our God is the cooking-pot, and our religion is 'Don't touch me, I am holy'."
• He termed this excessive obsession with physical purity and untouchability as "Don't-touchism" or the "religion of the kitchen".
• His objective was to shift the focus of Hinduism back to the Upanishadic ideals of the soul's divinity and service to humanity (Daridra Narayana), rather than mere ceremonial purity.

Key Takeaway

Swami Vivekananda criticized the reduction of Hinduism to "Kitchen Religion" and "Don't-touchism," advocating instead for a robust, service-oriented spirituality based on the Vedanta.