Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, Europe's largest Hindu temple opened in London Wednesday with week-long consecration ceremonies. Fifteen priests from India performed the rituals culminating in the installation of the 3.6 meter statue of Lord Krishna.

The temple is located in the west central English town of Tividale, near Birmingham and is based on the Tirupati-Tirumala temple complex.

'The Hindu' Reports:

Europe's largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara opened here today with a week-long festival during which priests will perform rituals to sanctify the shrine.

The Rs 57.3 crore temple is in the west central English town of Tividale, near Birmingham. It is based on the famous Tirupati-Tirumala temple in India.

Fifteen Indian priests will perform rituals to sanctify the temple. The festival will end with the installation of the 3.6 metre statue of Lord Krishna.

The idea of the temple was conceived in the 1970s but it was not until 1987 that worshippers acquired the site. Scores of craftsmen from India worked on the temple.

"It's just marvellous and thanks must go to the people who have donated money and the all the work the volunteers have done. The devotees have been very generous and it is a beautiful temple,"

Nookaraju and his wife Jayakumar told the BBC.

Kal Murali, his wife Latha and two children Ashwin and Aron are from Birmingham and hope that people of all faiths will be compelled to visit the largest temple in Europe.

"There is still work to be done but it is great to have this place, it enriches our culture."

Acharya Icanlyana Sundram said he is proud to work at the temple.

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