An online clothing company selling leggings with a picture of the deity Ganesha have removed the item from its website.

British Leggings acted promptly after leading Hindus complained about the clothing.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed thanks the UK company for its “understanding”.

He added all companies should have a better knowledge of Hinduism before launching new ranges.

Mr Zed said Lord Ganesha was meant to be worship in temples and homes – not on people’s legs.

He added: “The 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 the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, would still like British Leggings and its CEO to offer a formal apology.

Rajan Zed

He said: “Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought.

“It should not be taken frivolously.

“Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled.”

Mr Zed explained Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more.

But he added: “Faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers.”

The “Ganesha Leggings” cost £15.00.

The website says: “These beautiful leggings feature printed Ganesha God on one side of the leg.

“They are original, very feminine and have an edgy look about them”.