One of Europe's largest Hindu temples officially opened yesterday with an elaborate ceremony expected to attract more than 10,000.
The celebrations at the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Tividale, Sandwell, will last five days.
A 12ft replica of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna was unveiled and around a dozen Hindu priests performed ancient Vedic rituals to purify and sanctify land and buildings.
The £7 million complex has been part-funded with a Millennium Fund grant and stands on 13.5 acres of former wasteland.
It has been built in the style of the ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati, India, 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.
Dr VP Narayan Rao, chairman of trustees, said: "This is the fulfilment of a long cherished dream, the end of a long road and beginning of a new era, not just for those closely involved with the project but for every Hindu."
