Other religions support call to remove Lord Shiva slot

The complaint by a senior Hindu religious spokesman against the Merkur slot machine featuring a theme based on the six-armed Hindu god Lord Shiva has been supported by spokespersons from other religious groups.

Earlier this week Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, called on Merkur’s parent Gausselmann Group to apologise for the offensive use of the god’s image and take the slot out of circulation.

Reverend Richard L. Smith, a United Church of Christ pastor in Nevada said Thursday: “I support the protests of Hindus who are offended by the name and image of the god Shiva being used to promote gaming machines. I would be likewise offended if [a Christian deity] were to be attached to such a product. I urge the Gauselmann company to find another, more respectful approach.

Jikai’ Phil Bryan, a Buddhist leader, opined: “The game’s usage of Shiva and other Hindu religious symbols and iconography is wholly inappropriate and should be discontinued.”

ElizaBeth W. Beyer, a Jewish Rabbi, said that the game should be discontinued, adding: “Religious iconography, such as Lord Shiva, necessitates respectful and thoughtful use. It should not be trivialized on a game.”

Gausselmann has yet to comment on the furore.