Upset over the controversy surrounding his latest novel “Madhorubhagan,” noted Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has decided to give up writing.

He has also apologised to the critics of the book. The writer’s decision came after a series of protest by various religious outfits in his native town Thiruchengodu at Namakkal district against the novel.

The agitators, who also burnt the novel, claim the book refers to the Kailasanathar temple in Tiruchengodu and women devotees in bad light.

“Writer Perumal Murugan is dead. He is not a god and therefore, he will not come again alive. I will now live as an ordinary teacher,” Murugan wrote on his Facebook page.

He also requested publishers not to sell his books and promised them to compensate the loss they suffered due to the protests. “I have made up my mind to withdraw all my books. I have also decided to pay due compensation to publishers. Please do not indulge in protests and leave me alone,” he said.

Murugan said the issue will not end with “Madhorubhagan” alone. Various groups and individuals will continue to create problems for his other novels too. The story revolves around a traditional couple who is childless. The wife indulges in consensual extra-marital sex to beget a child.