Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Tividale Reviews Summary

Temple Atmosphere

Pros:

• "If you wish divinity, peacefulness, tranquility and attain the blessings of Lord Balaji it is a MUST place to visit."
• "Peacefull place... mind relaxation... positive vibrations."
• "Calm, peaceful and soul satisfying religious temple."
• "The atmosphere feels very pleasant and positive even though it is crowded."
• "A peaceful and calm place to be with."
• "The vibe there is very pleasant and peaceful."
• "A place where one can find peace and happiness in this chaotic world."

Cons:

• "A bit unorganised when it comes to managing crowd and streamlining things within the temple premises."
• "Car parking was difficult during auspicious day."
• "The temple commitee should respect people's time, they have plans, they have to travel, so if prasadam could not be made available on time they should inform so people won't waste their time."
• "The managers and staff treat people as if they own the place and harass people with their stupid ideologies."
• "The management needs to pay attention to some of the rude and arrogant staff at the temple."
• "Some of the priests at the main hall is not as friendly (straight-faced and make you feel very little)."
• "Really terrible experience!!!"

Facilities and Services

Pros:

• "Dosa stall and India groceries and spices shop is plus point and relaxing spot."
• "The Temple is wheel chair accessible."
• "The on-site facilities are clean and convenient."
• "There is also a meditation area."
• "Kids have enough play area to keep them entertained."
• "There is free food (prasada) offered by temple to all devotees."
• "The temple staff were friendly and helpful."

Cons:

• "One may get confused with the entry as it’s from blew unlike traditionally approach from front of temple."
• "Just wish the toilets were better maintained."
• "Food provided was little amount and could not identify what food they have given."
• "The canteen is very poorly maintained. No poor wash room for the canteen. The vadai is very average and looks too old!"
• "For such a big place, there wasn’t sign boards to suggest where the footwear to be dropped off or picked up."
• "For five pounds puja, they are not offering half a coconut at all."
• "Customer service - the lady at the counter in the reception below the temple was very rude."

Food and Prasadam

Pros:

• "We got curd rice as a prashad, which was available the whole day."
• "You also get the famous Tirupati Laddoo as prasadam over here."
• "Delicious vegetarian food will be served for all devotees for free."
• "Ladoos were special."
• "Prasadam was delicious especially the kheer."
• "They are giving good tasty sambar rice."
• "It's Cleanly maintained. Pongal(Free Prasadam) offered is so tasty in South Indian mode."

Cons:

• "The food quality became very low."
• "The sweet was good but the mixed rice was like…. They prepared it just for name sake…. Taste was very low."
• "Food don't taste good at all and even for that kind of rubbish food u will have to wait for hrs."
• "Quality of Prasadam has fallen to new standards in the name of Pandemic."
• "After Pandemic started they are giving Lemon rice in a small cardboard box without even a plastic spoon."
• "But don't go into the food centre .. its the worst experience u will have after a devine feeling of going into temple.. Food don't taste good at all and even for that kind of rubbish food u will have to wait for hrs."
• "When we asked for some vibhoodhi at a shrine, we were told we can get some only if we performed an archanai - this is nothing short of blatant commercialism of the temple on the pretext of Covid."

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Plenty of public free parking."
• "One of the largest Hindu temples in Europe, its location in Dudley suburbs of Birmingham greatly benefits all Hindus in the UK."
• "Plenty of parking available in the campus."
• "Ample parking space and convenience include toilets and children's play area."
• "Easy access on the highway without having to enter the city from the motor way."
• "Well connected with public transportation."
• "There is ample space for free parking."

Cons:

• "Getting a parking space was pain though."
• "Very spacious area but can be difficult to find parking during special festivals and occasions."
• "No Electric Car Charging facility in such a big facility."
• "Lunch time closure of temple too long. Difficult for devotees travelling from far."
• "Parking is enough but might need to wait for few minutes for a slot post 12PM."
• "Proper planning is required in case of major religious days because parking gets overrun and we have 1000s of people visiting and queuing up for a viewing."
• "On auspicious days you will have to queue up to 2-3 hours for Darshan and on weekends 30-45 mins queue."