Washington, Jan 26 : Julia Roberts is being praised by America''s leading Hindus for showing them respect by sporting the traditional `bindi' on her recent trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The `Pretty Woman' star and her husband Danny Moder were spotted visiting the tourist attraction last week.

Roberts was photographed sporting a bindi mark on her forehead at the time.

"Julia Roberts honoured the traditions of India by sporting a bindi on her forehead during her recent trip to India, and we are very happy she did. It was a mark of respect that has not gone unnoticed," Contactmusic quoted Nevada-based Hindu statesman Rajan Zed as saying.

"I would personally like to extend an invitation to Ms. Roberts and her family to visit with me if the trip to India has sparked an interest in Hinduism, and other Hindu leaders here in America would be glad to share their knowledge," he added.

However, Roberts isn''t the first non-Hindu Hollywood celebrity to wear a bindi in public.

Stars including Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Shakira, Nelly Furtado and Britney Spears have also turned the religious sign into a fashion statement in the past.

Zed, the President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said that he had been aware of Roberts'' interest in Hinduism for years.

He said: "She has a production company called Red Om Films, and Om in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe, which is used to introduce and conclude religious work."

He has even urged other top stars to follow Roberts'' example, and show the Hindu faith more respect on TV, film and in music videos. (ANI)