We took some visitors from India for a visit to this wonderful temple in Dividale, Birmingham. From the moment one enters the generously laid out parking lot, one is under a kind of divine spell. The beautifully lanscaped campus, adherence to classic Indian temple architecture, and the well planned lay-out of the various deities' shrines, all speak of a well thought out temple complex. The toilets are spic and span, and very hygienically maintained. The office staff help with all queries from the devotees in an extremely polite manner.

Besides the community hall that has been there for over a decade now, a nice environment-friendly, totally plastic free dining hall has been around for the last few years. I learnt from one of the volunteers that a much larger dining hall is under construction - both halls are meant for catering free meals to devotees. I was told close to 5000 devotees dine every weekend. The main shrine - of Balaji or Lord Venkateswara - is serene and induces a sense of peace nad well-being even as you enter the sanctum. The fragrance so typical of south Indian temples, the prayer slokams and classical music in the background, all add to a sense of contentment. This is one temple every Hindu visitor to the UK must visit.

Behind the existing dining hall are an Indian grocery store and a small, clean restaurant where I had the best ever south Indian filter coffee. Both are open seven days a week.