Upset Hindus are urging Saint Cloud (Minnesota) based company Babyshark for an immediate withdrawal of doormat carrying an image of Hindu deity Lord Shiva; calling it highly inappropriate.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Shiva was highly revered in Hinduism and his images were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to “Dry wet feet, grab dirt, dust, and grime!” as described on Babyshark Co. website.  Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated.

Rajan Zed also urged Babyshark Co. to offer a formal apology. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed noted.  Rajan Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Rajan Zed added.

“OM SHIVA TRIANGLE ART DOOR MATS”, described as “ideal for all doorsteps” at Babyshark Co. website, was priced at $28.20. Babyshark Co. claims: “Our artwork is inspired by our love of pop art with a special attention to the trends of the moment.” It sells doormats, lunch bags, school bags, shower curtains, and toilet bags.