To mark 10 years since the arrival of a marble deity of Lord Shiva at the chaplaincy centre in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford), a ceremonial rowan tree has been planted outside the hospital’s main entrance.

Following a 4,000-mile trip from Jaipur, the deity, named OM Devoneshwar Mahadev, arrived at the RD&E Hospital in October 2013, after its presence was requested by members of the local Hindu community.

The tree planting ceremony was led by Ravi Nathwani, from the local community, and was attended by NHS colleagues and members of the community, alongside Simon Harrison, the Royal Devon's Head of Pastoral and Spiritual Care, Hannah Foster, the Royal Devon's Chief People Officer, and the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter Kevin Mitchell.

Ravi was instrumental in getting the deity to the RD&E Hospital, supported by Simon and the Eastern services chaplaincy team, and has been leading weekly Shiv Puja (Hindu prayers) every Monday morning since it arrived.

Lord Shiva is present and visible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is not only there for colleagues, patients and visitors, but also the wider community as well, providing a peaceful and spiritual place for all those that need it.