Deepinder Goyal faces backlash over ₹85,000 Temple wearable
What's the story
Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has come under fire for his latest product, the Temple fitness tracker, which is priced at ₹85,000. The criticism was led by Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by the name 'The Liver Doc' on X. He called out Goyal's claims about the device as "bad science" and a "scam."
Device details
What is Temple?
Temple is a high-tech wearable health device developed by Goyal. The pill-shaped sensor sticks on the side of the head near the temple and monitors cerebral blood flow continuously.
Despite its advanced features, many have questioned its scientific basis and efficacy in accurately measuring brain blood flow and 'entropy.'
Defense strategy
Goyal clarifies on X
In response to the backlash, Goyal clarified on X that Temple is a fitness/wellness tracker and not a medical device requiring clinical validation.
He said, "We are a fitness/wellness wearable - well outside the purview of doctors."
However, this clarification did little to quell the storm of criticism from medical professionals.
Skepticism expressed
Medical professionals continue to slam Temple
Dr. Philips questioned Temple's scientific claims, particularly its ability to measure brain blood flow and 'entropy.'
He accused the company of misleading users through unproven claims and questionable research methodology.
He said, "As expected, he has written a word salad. This man has provided no real evidence or proof that his device...can measure and interpret brain flow from a superficial artery."
Fraud allegations
Device can only measure blood flow in face, claims doctor
Dr. Philips went on to accuse the Temple team of "bad science, fringe science and science fraud."
He said, "Temple device is a scam. There is no doubt about it."
He also claimed that the device can only measure blood flow and flushing to the face in humans, not brain as they claim.
Clarification issued
This is not about money, says Goyal
Responding to the allegations, Goyal posted a detailed clarification on X.
He said if Temple were a scam, it would have been exposed within days of use.
He also defended his investment in the product and stressed that this isn't about money but purpose.
"I left the Eternal CEO role to chase purpose with Temple. This is not about money," he wrote.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Goyal's post
Dear Concerned Indian Doctors,
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 5, 2026
I see your rage against Temple on X. I have a few points
to make:
1. First and foremost, a business lesson: if Temple were a scam, and any of what we said weren't true, people would know it in just a few days of using Temple. We have 14-day,…