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

The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book "Ganesha, 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 demands that publishers withdraw it from circulation. A release issued by the scholars claimed that so far about 5000 people have signed the petition expressing their displeasure.

According to the release, the book "is not only ridiculing and insulting Hinduism but has utterly disgusting and distasteful material which is mind-boggling and throws a direct challenge to our traditional beliefs and practices."

PTI