Date:03/11/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/03/stories/2003110304151200.htm

International - India & World

Book on Ganesha evokes protests in U.S.

Houston Nov. 2. A nude picture of Lord Ganesha on the cover of a new book and the contents have evoked protests from Hindus across the United States.

The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings by Emory University Professor Paul Courtright has earned the wrath of Hindu scholars here who say several passages quoted in the book ``are seemingly insensitive to Hindu belief or faith''.

A petition is also being circulated and signed online to protest against the book and it demands that publishers withdraw the book from circulation. A release issued by the scholars claimed that so far about 5,000 people have signed the petition expressing their displeasure. — PTI