Guest guest Posted August 20, 2006 Report Share Posted August 20, 2006 One of Europe's largest Hindu temples to open in Birmingham Publisher: Jon Land Published: 17/08/2006 - 16:51:07 PM http://www.24dash.com/_images/news/9394/m_UK_hindus.jpg 10,000 expected at Hindu temple opening More than 10,000 people are expected to gather near Birmingham for an elaborate ceremony to officially open one of Europe's largest Hindu temples, it emerged today. The celebrations at the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Tividale are set to last for five days, starting on August 23. A 12ft replica of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna will be unveiled and around a dozen Hindu priests will perform ancient Vedic rituals to purify and sanctify the land and the buildings. The £7 million temple complex has been part-funded with a grant from the Millennium Fund and stands on 13.5 acres of former waste land. It has been built in the style of the ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati, India, which is thought to be the second richest religious establishment after the Vatican. Scores of stone masons and artisans were brought from India to work on the intricate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses inside the temple. Dr VP Narayan Rao, chairman of trustees at the temple, said: "This is the fulfilment of a long cherished dream, the end of a long road and the beginning of a new era, not just for those most closely involved with the temple project but for every Hindu in the world." It is hoped the temple will attract many of Britain's 600,000 Hindus and even worshippers from across Europe and the rest of the world. Bimal Krishna Das, secretary of the National Council of Hindu Temples, said: "This is great news for the British Hindu community. The opening of this great temple will be a wonderful addition to the multi-religious society of Britain, especially in West Midlands." Copyright Press Association 2006. http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=9394 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean McHugh Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 I live on the same road as this temple- it's a fabulous place, very active and well run, and increasingly luxurious and impressive. I contributed to the Wiki article (Venkateswara Balaji temple, Tividale), inc a few photos links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suchandra Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 I live on the same road as this temple- it's a fabulous place, very active and well run, and increasingly luxurious and impressive. I contributed to the Wiki article (Venkateswara Balaji temple, Tividale), inc a few photos links. http://www.bhamhindutemple.org/ http://www.venkateswara.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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