The Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Tividale, West Midlands, stands as one of Europe’s largest functioning Hindu temples. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, the temple draws inspiration from the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. Consecrated in August 2006, it serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Hindu community in the UK. visitsandwell.com+4Wikipedia+4primeplc.com+4
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Address: 101 Dudley Road East, Tividale, West Midlands, B69 3DU, UK
- By Car: Approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Birmingham City Centre; free parking available, including disabled spaces.
- By Train: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) from Sandwell & Dudley Station; accessible via taxi or a short walk.
- By Bus: Bus number 87 runs frequently from Birmingham City Centre to the temple. Venkateswara+1visitsandwell.com+1
🕉️ Deities & Shrines
The temple complex houses several shrines, including:visitsandwell.com
- Lord Venkateswara (Balaji): The principal deity.
- Padmavati (Alamelu): Consort of Lord Venkateswara.
- Other deities: Hanuman, Shiva, Karthikeya, Ganesh, Ayappan, and the Navagraha. Venkateswaraprimeplc.com+3Wikipedia+3visitsandwell.com+3
🛕 Architecture & Features
- Design: Modeled after the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, featuring traditional South Indian architecture.
- Faith Hills: Seven symbolic hills representing major world religions, promoting interfaith harmony.
- Gandhi Peace Centre: A facility dedicated to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, offering space for study, yoga, and meditation. Wikipedia+1Venkateswara+1Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5
🕰️ Opening Hours
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends & Bank Holidays: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Winter Closure: Closes at 8:30 PM from November to March. Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5Venkateswara+5
📿 Religious Services & Rituals
The temple offers a variety of religious services, including:
- Archana: Personalized prayers invoking individual blessings.
- Homams (Fire Rituals): Various types, such as Ganapathy, Sudharshana, and Navagraha Homams.
- Life Events: Ceremonies like Seemantham (pregnancy blessing), Annapraasanam (first solid food), and Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony).
- Other Services: Srinivasa Kalyanam, Sathya Narayana Pooja, Sahasranama Archana, Tharpanam, and Vehicle Pooja. Venkateswara+2Venkateswara+2Venkateswara+2
🎓 Cultural & Educational Initiatives
- Balaji School for Culture & Education: Provides spiritual and cultural education to children, including classes on Vedas and music.
- Balaji Youth Camps: Organizes summer and winter camps focusing on Hindu teachings, life skills, and cultural activities. Venkateswara+6visitsandwell.com+6Wikipedia+6venkateswara.partyshop4u.co.uk
🤝 Community Engagement
- Annadhanam Services: Offers free meals to visitors, funded by donations.
- Matrimonial Services: Assists individuals in finding suitable marriage partners.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Encourages community members to participate in temple activities and services. visitsandwell.com+1Wikipedia+1
📞 Contact Information
- Phone: 0121 544 2256