Hindu symbol in driveway causes dispute

LEESBURG , Va., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A Virginia man has been ordered to remove a 6-foot Hindu religious symbol painted on his driveway or pay a hefty fine, officials say.

It poses a dilemma for Ram Balasubramanian, 47, a Leesburg, Va., Realtor and devout Hindu, who loves the symbol but can't afford the fine,The Washington Post said.

He can't bear the idea of blacking out the kolam, he says, because it is a religious expression welcoming the Hindu goddess of prosperity.

But, for every day that he refused, his South Loudoun County homeowners association charged him $10 and the fine now totals $900. And the association won't discuss dropping the fine until the kolam comes down, the Post said.

Residents often challenge homeowner associations over their rules. But, the dispute between Balasubramanian and his association over the Hindu symbol raises questions of religious freedom, the Post said.