Ritual Held to Seek ‘Divine Permission’ for Shrine Relocation Sparks Public Debate
Ahmedabad – A controversy has erupted after the Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Dr. Joshi, was seen participating in a temple ritual aimed at seeking permission from a deity for the relocation of a shrine within the hospital premises. The incident has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning the blending of religious rituals with public infrastructure decisions.
Redevelopment Project Stalled by Temple Dispute
The incident comes amid the Gujarat government’s plan to redevelop Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, one of Asia’s largest healthcare facilities. As part of the massive overhaul, several old structures are slated for demolition to make way for a new 1,800-bed hospital block, featuring 300 OPD rooms and modern ICUs.
However, the presence of a Khodiyar Mata temple inside the hospital compound has emerged as a major obstacle. The temple holds religious significance for hospital staff and visitors, making its relocation a sensitive issue.
Superintendent Joins Religious Ceremony to ‘Seek Consent’
To address the matter, Dr. Joshi reportedly joined a religious ritual led by the temple priest, which involved chanting, symbolic leaves, grains, and a spiritual appeal to the goddess. A video of the ritual has gone viral, showing the priest concluding that the goddess had not granted permission to move the shrine.
The priest was heard telling Dr. Joshi, “Leave this place and begin your work elsewhere… Nothing should be done without the mother’s consent.”
Mixed Reactions: Respect for Belief or Undermining Rationality?
The episode has triggered a wider public debate. While some applauded Dr. Joshi for showing cultural sensitivity, others condemned it as superstition-driven governance, especially coming from a senior public health official.
Critics argue that such actions set a troubling precedent for science-based, secular decision-making in public institutions.
Dr. Joshi Clarifies: Discussion Still Ongoing
Speaking to Bhaskar, Dr. Joshi confirmed that the temple falls within the demolition zone earmarked for the redevelopment. He stated that discussions had been initiated with the temple’s administrators, but no formal permission to shift the temple has been granted yet.
“We have met with the temple authorities to find a way forward. This was part of the dialogue process,” he said.
Hospital Expansion Critical Amid Healthcare Demand
The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital redevelopment project is being seen as crucial to meeting the city’s growing medical needs. However, the shrine’s future remains uncertain as authorities attempt to balance public health priorities with religious sentiments.
