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. 

At the end of the ritual, the priest announced that the goddess had not approved the relocation. He told Dr. Joshi, “Leave this place and begin your work elsewhere, and your task will proceed smoothly. Nothing should be done without the mother’s consent.”

The incident has triggered a public debate, while some view Dr. Joshi’s act as a show of respect toward local religious sentiments, others criticise it as giving in to superstition, especially when coming from the head of a major government hospital. 

While the temple holds cultural significance for many, the hospital’s expansion project is seen as critical infrastructure for the growing healthcare demands of the city.

Speaking to Bhaskar, Dr. Joshi confirmed that the meeting was held with the temple administration to discuss the temple’s relocation. He stated that since the Khodiyar Mata temple falls within the area required for demolition, the Civil Hospital team had initiated discussions. However, permission to remove or shift the temple has not been granted.

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