TV host Jay Leno is facing a lawsuit from a Sikh follower after the star referenced one of the religion's most revered temples in a joke aimed at potential Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

During his introduction on a recent edition of Leno's The Tonight Show, the comic poked fun at the four Republican candidates hoping to take on President Barack Obama in the country's election later this year.

He joked about multi-millionaire Romney and his wealth, quipping that he vacationed in a solid gold palace, before showing a picture of India's Harmandir Sahib, a sacred building to the Sikh faith.

One viewer was so offended by the joke, he has filed a lawsuit against Leno, accusing him of encouraging hatred and ridicule of his religion.
 
According to TMZ.com, the man is suing for punitive damages.