Ahmedabad Civil Hospital superintendent draws criticism for temple ritual amid redevelopment plans

Ahmedabad: The superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has come under public and social media scrutiny after participating in a temple ritual as part of efforts to determine whether to relocate a shrine located within the hospital premises. 

The controversy emerged amid the state government’s plan to redevelop Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, one of Asia’s largest medical facilities. As part of the project, the old hospital buildings are set to be demolished to make way for a modern 1,800-bed, 300 OPD rooms, and ICUs hospital block. However, a small temple dedicated to Khodiyar Mata, located within the campus, has become a major issue for the redevelopment. 

To address the issue, Dr. Joshi recently visited the temple and took part in a religious ceremony led by the temple priest. The ritual was meant to seek the goddess's permission for relocating the temple. 

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A video of the ritual has since gone viral, sparking mixed reactions. In the footage, the priest can be seen performing chants, using symbolic leaves, and using grains to seek a sign from the goddess.