Protest against M.F. Husain’s abuse of Hindu Deities

The Obscene Paintings

The following are the painting captions and their descriptions.

Please note:

The painting captions are taken from the book ‘Anti-Hindus’ describing some of the obscene paintings by Husain.

The Obscene Paintings

Painting 1: Naked Sita on the long tail of Hanuman

(See it online.)

In this painting Goddess 'Sita' and 'Hanuman' have been depicted in the nude. Sita was never rescued by Hanuman. Further, Sita is the icon of chastity for millions of Hindus all over the world. Here, Husain depicts Hindu Holy figures in violation of Hindu Holy Scriptures.

Painting 2: Lord Hanuman with His genitals pointing towards a woman having sexual intercourse

(See it online.)

The title of the painting is Hanuman V. It shows a three faced Hanuman, and a nude couple in sexual intercourse. The erect genital of Hanuman is shown bent in the direction of the female.

(Critique of the ‘Hanuman V’ painting by noted critic, Shyamal Bagchi:

“While the brave and valiant Hanuman tries to concentrate on his meditation, the naked figures of Rama and Sita can be seen in the foreground…”

Read more here.)

Painting 3: Hanuman opposite Sita sitting on the thigh of naked Ravana

This painting signed as ‘Hanuman 13’ by Husain shows naked 'Sita', sitting on the thigh of naked 'Ravana', while naked Hanuman is attacking him.

Painting 4: Naked Goddess Saraswati

Hindus regard Saraswati as the Goddess of knowledge, art and wisdom. She is worshipped as the one 'wrapped in white, pure garment'. Showing Her naked is in violation of Hindu Scriptures.

Painting 5: Bull copulating with Parvati, with Shiva watching

Painting 6: Durga in sexual union with tiger

In this painting of Goddess 'Durga', she is not shown astride, but in sexual union with a tiger.

Painting 7: Naked Goddess Lakshmi on the head of an elephant

'Lakshmi' is also shown naked, perched on the head of an elephant.

Painting 8: Naked Krishna with His feet and hands cut off

Husain’s some other denigrating paintings of Deities (available for sale or exhibition on the Internet).

A deity is an aspect of God that performs the various functions of the Universe. Regardless of religion or culture, if a seeker of God understands that Lord Hanuman is representative of the ultimate or perfect devotee he would be definitely offended. So also Goddess Durga represents that aspect of God that is responsible for the destruction of evil and is the mother principle of the Universe.

In his paintings, M. F. Husain has drawn his own mother, daughter, the Prophet’s daughter, a Muslim lady and even Muslim poets for that matter with clothes. Why does he not extend the same courtesy to Hindu deities? Why does he not feel the need to disrobe his mother, daughter etc. to achieve artistic perfection? One has to ask what gives a painter such as M.F. Husain the creative licence to denigrate Hindu deities and yet not be taken to task?

Mr. Russi Modi has supported and given a good review to this book. If M.F. Husain had painted nude pictures of symbols of worship of Mr. Modi’s religion (Zoroastrianism) would Mr. Russi Modi support the book and give it a good review?

It is gross insensitivity to depict the symbols of worship of millions of people that have passed the test of time and survived for thousands of years. This is totally unexpected from an artist, that too coming from the very land of the rich and ancient culture. We appeal to all viewers to join us in our campaign to curb this obscene and unrighteous act irrespective of their faith or whether they are atheists. Please view our petition page and sign it in support.

Next >>