Rage over Shiva images subsides

Images of Shiva on Manish Arora-designed leggings, harem pants and miniskirts have

created a ruckus in the US. Various Hindu organizations, Jewish and Buddhist leaders in the US joined the protest and said symbols of any faith, large or small, should not be mishandled. Their opinion was that in view of his Indian heritage, Manish Arora should have better known the significance of Lord Shiva and how much venerated he is among the Hindus and that inappropriate use of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial purposes hurt devotees’ sentiments.

The clothing bearing the images of Lord Shiva were put up for the sale on Manish Arora’s online store. Meanwhile, the designer denied any malicious intent on his part and said he has the highest respect for the Hindu pantheon. But what has upset him is that purely because of the American media which rose up in arms Indians back home too joined the clamor of protests. He feels his fellow men ought to know better and not get provoked by reactions overseas. The designer has in any case withdrawn the clothing bearing the controversial images from the website.