Hindu group seeks apology from Victoria's Secret ex-angel Alessandra Ambrosio for 'disrespectful' bikini line
A Hindu group is demanding that former Victoria's Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio publicly apologize and rename her recently-launched bikini line collection called 'Yantra'. They believe it is inappropriate and offensive to their religion.
Nevada-based Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said in a statement to MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) that "ancient Yantra", which is "the visual equivalent of mantra" or religious chants, represents "the Goddess and the cosmos" and is "a serious and sacred symbol or concept used for Hindu liturgy and meditation and was installed in many Hindu temples." He further added that the intersecting triangles represented Siva and Sakti who are often considered deities.
"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," the statement further added.
Ambrosio announced the line on her Instagram along with a teaser clip that showed off the model's line, featuring rust-colored tankinis and two pieces. In one of the posts, she said, "The #YANTRAstyle is inspired by the geometry of the SRI YANTRA symbol. Downward pointing triangles represent feminine aspect of God, upward-pointing triangles, the masculine. The central triangle is the giver of all perfection. In the middle of the central triangle is a point, Bindu, representing pure consciousness and the original state of being. #NEWin #AvailableNow."
Zed said that it was "not okay" as it "hurt the devotees" through the line, which featured "inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or icons or symbols for commercial or other agenda".
"Hinduism is 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," the statement read.
The organization also slammed her for "absurdly linking" a religious symbol to a bikini line to "bring enlightenment".
The bikinis are made in Brazil with a collaboration with clothing brand Gal Floripa that Ambrosio is also a co-founder of. Their tagline says, "Awake your goddess within".