Nevada (Face2News)
Upset Hindus are urging supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio to publicly apologize and re-name her recently launched bikini collection Yantra; calling it highly inappropriate.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that ancient Yantra, visual equivalent of mantra, which represented the Goddess and the cosmos, was a serious and sacred symbol/concept used for Hindu liturgy and meditation; and was installed in many Hindu temples. Its intersecting triangles represented Siva and Sakti, and many times it was meditated upon as a deity.Made in Brazil clothing brand Gal Floripa, which produces bikinis and swimsuits, recently launched the rust colored “Yantra style” bikinis, claimed to be inspired by “Sri Yantra” symbol. Ambrosio is co-founder of Gal Floripa, whose tagline is “Awake your goddess within”. Bikini Yantra was priced at $200.“Iconic beauty” supermodel Ambrosio has modeled for Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Next, Armani Exchange, etc. Cited among world's sexiest women; she also appeared in films, tv, music videos, etc.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stated that highly revered Yantra was meant to be used as part of worship in temples and home shrines and not to be used in selling bikinis for mercantile greed. It was very disrespectful to link such a sacred symbol with a product which touched pelvis and buttocks.
Rajan Zed further said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or icons or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.
Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed noted.
How could a bikini (even after absurdly linking it to sacred Yantra) bring enlightenment as indicated by Ambrosio firm? Rajan Zed wondered.
Made in Brazil clothing brand Gal Floripa, which produces bikinis and swimsuits, recently launched the rust colored “Yantra style” bikinis, claimed to be inspired by “Sri Yantra” symbol. Ambrosio is co-founder of Gal Floripa, whose tagline is “Awake your goddess within”. Bikini Yantra was priced at $200.“Iconic beauty” supermodel Ambrosio has modeled for Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Next, Armani Exchange, etc. Cited among world's sexiest women; she also appeared in films, tv, music videos, etc.