New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Indological Publishers and Distributors, who had published a book containing an "offending" picture of Lord Ganesha, today (November 3) offered their apologies and announced withdrawal of all the copies from the market.

Motilal Banarsidass Indological Publishers and Distributors said they were "deeply hurt" to note that the book 'Ganesh: Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings' which was originally published by Oxford University Press in 1985 has "appeared to be offensive to a section of beloved readers".

"Respecting the sentiments of the culturally conscious scholars, the publisher and distributor have withdrawn the circulation of the book from the market," a press release said.

It said the publisher and the distributor also offered apologies to the readers.

"The reason that we undertook the publication and distribution of the book is because we thought that the book, originally published by Oxford University Press with no adverse response and reviews, deserved a wider circulation in a relatively lower price for the benefit of the academic world," it said.

PTI