Carlsbad Shop Stops Selling 'Disrespectful' Pants With Hindu Gods on 'Legs, Crotch and Hips'

CARLSBAD, CA - After receiving complaints calling the products and sales "highly inappropriate," a locally based online retailer removed leggings this week that featured images of Hindu deities.

Scarlet's Lounge stopped selling the items within 12 hours of the outcry. Discontent centered images of sacred Hindu gods including Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna and Kali, according to a May 23 news release from the office of Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who reportedly spearheaded the protest.

He thanked those at Scarlet's Lounge Tuesday for understanding the concerns of those in the Hindu community, who found the images highly disrespectful.

The president of Universal Society of Hinduism, Zed urged corporations to include lessons about religious and cultural sensitives in employee training so staff members understand communities' feelings prior to selecting products.

"Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali (are) highly revered in Hinduism and meant to be worshiped in temples or home shrines, not to adorn one’s legs, crotch and hips," the news release said.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world, the alert says, estimating its following at around 1.1 billion people.

"Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled," adherents said.

Founded in 2015, Scarlet's Lounge touts “unique clothing and accessories." Store owners believe that fashion is a "right, not a luxury," according to the business's website. The controversial leggings were listed for $58 per pair. Their product description suggested they were ideal for hot yoga or a casual night on the town.

Image courtesy of Rajan Zed