History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale, United Kingdom
The Shri Venkateswara Temple is popularly known as the Balaji Temple. It is one of the biggest active Hindu temples in Europe. The temple is inspired by Vaishnava practice in the shape of the Hindu deity Vishnu. It is situated in the Tividale of West Midlands (England). The area is located in the middle of the suburban regions of Oldbury and Tipton, in the northwest of Birmingham city. The architecture of the temple is a reflection of the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple of Tamil Nadu (India). Vishnu is worshipped here as one of his incarnations, Venkateswara. Another temple of his wife Padmavati is also there. Apart from the temples of these two, shrines of other Hindu deities like – Shiva, Ganesha, Ayyappa, and Hanuman are also present. The temple was opened to devotees on 23rd August 2006.
History of Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale
The history is related to the period of the late 1970s when a gang of Hindu people from the Indian subcontinent shared the idea of creating a religious spot, and a sanctum for meditation and prayer. The prime motivation behind the plan was the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple of Tamil Nadu (India). Initially, the group of people used to arrange regular monthly invocations at the Shri Geeta Bhawan temple in Handsworth, Birmingham. In 1980, they set up an opulently carved wooden Mandapam inside the temple, where they put an idol of Lord Venkateswara. The worship started with performing rituals on the first Sundays of every month. Eventually, it became a weekly gathering of devotees every Sunday. The devotees started giving suggestions to build a Venkateswara Temple. A management committee of 15 members was voted to take responsibility for collecting funds and finding an appropriate plot. The committee members started to gather at each other’s houses to discuss the solution for making their dream come true. In November 1984, a charitable trust was established in the name of the temple. Eventually, they became successful to raise sufficient funds and a suitable plot. After that, the construction process started.
Architecture of Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale
The basic architecture of the temple is based on Vedic rules. Although, the main temple was built following the Dravidian style (South Indian) of architecture. It has beautifully hand-carved towers made of granites. The design of the temple is commonly found in South Indian temples. The roof and the pillars have lightly carved outlines. The towers on the entry gate have conventional stone carvings. There is a large community hallway inside the temple made for the devotees. The hallway is so huge that it can accommodate 2500 people at a time.
Festival celebrated at Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale
The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is the most important festival celebrated in this Venkateswara temple. It is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindus. The Chariot festival is mostly celebrated by the end of June or the beginning of July. A huge chariot is shown in the way of a procession on the roads. Many people gather to participate in this procession. The roads from where the chariot moves become decorated with flower petals and colors. Rath yatra is mainly the festival of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The long march is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Janmashtami is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in the temple. Janmashtami is the day when Lord Krishna was born. Many Krishna devotees from various parts of the country come to visit this temple during Janmashtami.
Special rituals followed at Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale
Archana – is a special type of worship performed by the pastor after completing the regular worship. It is a usual service available at the temple.
Homam – is a special type of ritual where offerings are made to the devotee through the medium of a sacred fire.
Seemantham – is a traditional ritual performed during the first pregnancy of a woman. Such a ritual is performed to deliver a healthy baby.
Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale Daily Darshan timimgs
The timetable for meeting with the deity is from 8.30 am to 9.00 pm. Devotees are not allowed to visit the temple after 9.00 pm.
It is one of the most famous temples in the United Kingdom. Local devotees, as well as foreigners, visit this temple every year.
How to Reach Shri Venkateswara Temple, Tividale, Britain.
The Birmingham Airport is the nearest option to reach the temple. Cab facilities are frequently available from the airport. Taxis and buses are directly available from the neighbouring cities.
