Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Tividale, UK

Dedicated to Shri Venkateswara, the Balaji temple in Tividale, West Midlands is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in all of Europe. Opened to the public in 2006, the temple was designed with inspiration from the Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple in Tirupati, India.

The main deity in the temple is Shri Venkateswara, one of the forms of Vishnu. There is also a shrine to Goddess Padmavati, the consort of the Lord Venkateswara, within the main temple.

The vision to create the temple first emereged in the late 1970s but the construction of the main temple began only in the late 1990s with the installation of various deities taking place in different years.

The Kumbabishekam of the Shri Ganesha temple was the first to happen followed by the consecration of the Murugan (Subramanya Swamy) temple in 2000 and the Navagrahas in 2003.

The Raja Gopuram or the East Entrance Tower (pictured below) was constructed in 2006.

And it was also in 2006 that the main temple was completed. The Kumbabishekam happened in August 2006 and the temple was opened to the general public.

Above: One of the Gopurams at the Balaji Temple; Below: An elephant sculpture at the Balaji Temple

In the years that followed, shrines for other deities were installed like the Shiva temple in 2010 and the shrine for Shirdi Sai Baba in 2011.

Above: Shiva Temple; Below: Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Just in front of the Sai Baba temple is the Pushkarni or the sacred water tank in which is enshrined the statue of Maha Vishnu in the 'Anantha Shayana' posture on Adishesha (Ananta Shesha) the serpentine demigod.

The temple also has shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities like Hanuman Ji, Goddess Durga, Goddess Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari and Swamy Ayappa.

The process of development of the temple complex still continues with future plans including a processional way for Lord Balaji's chariot and more landscaping.

Note: This year (2022) the Brahmotsavam/Rathotsavam is to be held from 25th-29th August. Please contact the temple on +44 0121 544 2256 for timings and other details.

Above: Dhwaja Stambham near the Shiva Temple; Below: Close-up of the main Dhwaja Stambham

 

Facilities at the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Tividale

In addition to the regular religious events and celebrations, the temple also has a
Community Hall which can be booked for weddings, social and cultural events. The Community Hall is spread over two floors and each floor can be booked separately or together.

Also on the premises is a Yagasala where yagnas (homams) are performed and a Dining Hall where Annadanam (funded by donations from devotees) is done.

The temple also runs the Balaji Vidyalaya which conducts classes on Saturdays and Sundays within the temple premises. Staffed with volunteer teaches, the Vidyalaya offers free classes on Vedanta, shlokas/chanting, performing arts and Indian langauges.

How to get to Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Tividale

The Shri Venkateswara Temple is located in Tividale which is a district of the Borough of Sandwell in West Midlands. The nearest railway station is the Sandwell & Dudley station which is around 1.1 miles away. From the station you can take a taxi or walk to the temple. 

The 3 stations of Birmingham (Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snowhill) are around 7 miles away. From there you can either take bus no 87 (runs frequently from Birmingham City Centre to the temple) or catch a taxi.

For those travelling by car, the address is:
Shri Venkateswara Temple | 101 Dudley Road East, Tividale, West Midlands B69 3EB
There is ample free parking on site for cars and coaches.

According to the temple's website, it is open 7 days a week. On weekdays it is open from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm. On weekends and bank holidays it is open from 9am to 2:30pm and 4pm to 9pm. However, you can call them on +44 0121 544 2256 before you travel, should you wish to confirm the timings.