Masthead Image

floating page accent - lotus
Balaji Temple
Image credit: Temple picture from Venkateswara temple

Shri Venkateswara

The Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Birmingham is a magnificent place of worship dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

It stands as a beacon of spirituality and devotion, drawing devotees from across the UK and beyond. The temple’s architecture is a testament to traditional South Indian temple design, featuring intricate carvings and stunning gopurams (tower gateways).

floating page accent - lotus
  • Established: The Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple was consecrated in August 2006.
  • Development: The temple's construction was initiated in the late 1990s by the Hindu Temple Trust with support from devotees worldwide. The design was inspired by the famous Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • Milestones: Over the years, the temple has expanded to include several shrines dedicated to various deities, making it a comprehensive spiritual hub for Hindus in the UK.
  • Deities Worshipped:

    • Lord Venkateswara (Balaji): The primary deity, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and protection.
    • Goddess Padmavati: The consort of Lord Venkateswara, representing fortune and well-being.
    • Lord Shiva: The destroyer and regenerator of the universe.
    • Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and beginnings.
    • Lord Murugan (Subramanya Swamy): The god of war and victory.
    • Shirdi Sai Baba: Revered for his teachings of love, forgiveness, and devotion.
    • Other Deities: Hanuman Ji, Goddess Durga, and others.
  • Temple Activities and Services:

    • Daily Poojas: Suprabhatam (morning) and evening aartis.
    • Abhishekam: Regular Abhishekam ceremonies are performed for Lord Venkateswara, where the deity is bathed with holy substances like milk, curd, honey, and sacred water.
    • Homams and Yagnas: Special fire rituals for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
    • Educational Programs: Classes on Hindu scriptures, Vedanta, Indian languages, and performing arts.
    • Cultural Events: Regular cultural programs, including dance, music, and drama performances.

Festivals Celebrated

  • Brahmotsavam: An annual grand festival with processions, special poojas, and cultural events, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
  • Ram Navami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Rama with special prayers and recitations.
  • Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna, marked by devotional singing and drama performances.
  • Maha Shivratri: A night of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva with continuous chanting and prayers.
  • Holi: The festival of colors, celebrated with joy and community bonding.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Worship of Lord Ganesha with special rituals and festivities.
  • Diwali: The festival of lights, celebrated with the lighting of lamps, firework displays, and community gatherings.

Facilities

  • Main Prayer Hall: A spacious hall that can accommodate up to 700 devotees, designed for prayers, meditation, and spiritual gatherings.
  • Community Hall: Available for cultural events, weddings, and other social functions.
  • Dining Hall: Serves free meals (Annadanam) to devotees and visitors.
  • Library: A resource center with a wide range of books on Hinduism, spirituality, and related topics.
  • Parking: Ample parking facilities for visitors.
  • Landscaped Gardens: Areas for meditation, relaxation, and reflective walking.
  • Educational and Cultural Center: Facilities for learning and promoting Indian culture and traditions.

Visiting Information

  • Location: Dudley Rd E, Tividale, Oldbury B69 3DU.
  • Opening Hours:

    Monday to Friday:

    • Morning: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    • Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
      • Saturday and Sunday:

        • Morning: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
        • Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Pooja Timings:
    • Suprabhatam (Morning Pooja): 8:30 AM
    • Evening Pooja: 7:00 PM
    • Regular Abhishekam: Conducted during the morning hours (specific timings can vary, check with the temple for details).
  • Dress Code: Modest and traditional attire is encouraged.
  • Accessibility: The temple is accessible to differently-abled individuals.

Future Events

  • Upcoming Events: The temple regularly updates its schedule for upcoming events, including major festivals, special poojas, and cultural programs. Devotees are encouraged to check the temple’s official website for the latest information.

Website

For more information, including details on upcoming events, special services, and educational programs, visit the temple’s official website: Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple UK.