*****24th May -Srinivasa Kalyanam -Sunday****
Nestled in the heart of Liverpool, the Radha Krishna Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. It holds the distinction of being the first Hindu temple in the northwest of the United Kingdom, originally established in 1957 on Botanic Road. In 1978, the temple found its new home in the historic Old Welsh Church, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
The move to the new site required significant structural changes. The sloping floor of the main hall was stripped of church benches and levelled to create a versatile space. Two adjoining halls were merged into one, and the idols were repositioned to their current sanctified locations. Initially, the temple housed only Lord Krishna, later joined by Goddess Radha, giving rise to the name Radha Krishna Temple. Over time, the divine family expanded to include Goddess Durga, Lord Balaji, and Lord Shiva.
In 1982, Dr. Shiv Pande visited Tirupati Devasthanam and requested idols of Lord Venkateshwara and Mothers Shri Devi and Bhu Devi. The temple authorities graciously agreed. Four years later, Dr. Pande personally oversaw the transfer of these sacred idols from Tirupati to Madras port (now Chennai), where a family friend volunteered to ship them to Liverpool—covering the entire cost.
Though the idols arrived safely, they remained unopened for several years. It was only after persistent efforts by Dr. Pande, Dr. Ajit Kumar, and Dr. Raghu Hegde that the temple leadership agreed to perform the Pranpratistha (consecration ceremony). The rituals were carried out with traditional reverence, giving rise to a monthly pooja tradition.
In 1995, the monthly Balaji Pooja was formally established, held on the last Sunday of every month. Under the guidance of Dr. Ajit Kumar, Dr. Vasu Hanumantu, and Dr. Vishnu Joshi, the pooja process was refined and continues to this day. As the original murtis were large and difficult to manage, custom-made Utsava murtis were added in 1998, donated by Dr. Ajit Kumar and Dr. Shanthi Kumar. That same year, Lord Kartikeya was added to complete the Shiv Parivar.
The group also began hosting the annual “Srinivas Kalyanam” and encouraged individual sponsorships for monthly poojas—a tradition that thrives to this day.
Over the past 30 years, the SSSS Balaji Pooja group has been sustained by a dedicated committee, including:
Dr. Vathsala Rama Moorthy, Mrs. Geeta Jayaram,Dr. Vasu Murthy, Mrs. Sharda Murthy, Dr. Jayram & Dr. Mrs. Jayaram, Dr. Krishna Sangyam & Mrs. Usha Sangyam
Dr. Shanta Kumar, Dr. & Mrs. Melanta, Mrs. Shyamla Hanumantu, Dr. Vishnu Joshi & Mrs. Chitra Joshi, Mrs. Kala Pandi
Despite changes in temple leadership and occasional challenges, the group has remained steadfast in its mission. Their collective abhishekam and alankaran to the Utsava murtis exemplify the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—the world is one family. This unique practice is not found in any other temple, whether in India or abroad.
The monthly pooja is more than a ritual—it’s a celebration of unity, transcending geography, caste, and region. It brings families together and deepens their spiritual connection.
We warmly invite all devotees to experience this rare and blessed opportunity. Join us every last Sunday of the month from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM for the SSSS Balaji Pooja.
Through the tireless efforts of senior and junior members—and their children—the SSSS Balaji Pooja group has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s Asian community. Their unwavering commitment ensures that our cherished traditions continue to flourish for generations to come.
(Karmaṇy‑evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana…)
You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.