Transnational Hindu Pilgrimages
Explore our research into transnational Hindu pilgrimages and their sites of interest.
Image of ceremony
Image of men attending ceremony
Image of people at shrine
Image of people watching ceremony
Image of shrine
Image of Tirupati
Image of Tirupati
Image of Tirupati
Based in and around Solihull, Birmingham, where a sizeable number of British Hindus and temples are located, this workstream examines pilgrimonic practice at the Tividale and Tirupati sites, how the British Hindu and Indian temples differ regarding notions of authenticity, efficacy, their religio-economic significance, and traditional and innovative aspects of sacred geometry, antiquaries, sensorial, and geographies of global heritage pilgrimages. The study will illuminate what religious practice and donations reveal about changing ideologies and cosmologies of sin, pollution, purity, and ideas of a 'proper Hindu' identity in relation to the need for ‘NRI (non resident indian) salvation’ or keeping them in the fold in a context of ascendant Hindu nationalism and the globalisation of Hinduism.
Steps of Devotion
- Video transcript
[Sacred instrumental music plays]
Opening shot of the Tirumala hills, with a view of the temple in the distance. Footage of devotees climbing the steep and winding steps to the temple, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Rich cultural heritage: footage of the first gate, marking the entrance to the temple complex, with devotees gathering and the atmosphere building up.
A place of devotion: clips of the sanctum sanctorum, with the Deity housed in a magnificent shrine, and devotees offering prayers and performing rituals.
A cultural landmark: a sequence of shots shows the temple's stunning architecture, the devotees, and the surrounding landscape.
Discover the power of faith: the video ends on a shot of the temple at sunset, with the sound of chanting and a sense of peace and tranquility.
Sites of Interest
This workstream concentrates on pilgrimage to the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) or Tirupati temple (mandir) in India that is known as the ‘Rome of the East’ owing largely to donations from diasporic Hindus or Non-Resident Indians (NRI). Tirupati’s economic clout also extends to an industrial site in Tividale on the edges of the city of Birmingham that hosts a temple based on the original Indian temple complex.
The Tividale temple is not part of any historic pilgrimage as per ancient Hindu texts such as the Vedas, but it has acquired a ‘secondary’ pilgrimage status especially for UK and US-based Hindus. Even though this temple draws different Hindu groups, it is predominantly attached to those whose backgrounds lie in south India (Tamil/Telugu), Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
The site is indicative of the continuing significance of religion, the consumption and adaption of ancient architectural splendour, the economic successes and material prosperity of transnational Hindus, and socio-religious aspirations for the Indian diaspora.
Path of Devotion
- Video transcript
[Serene instrumental music plays]
Opening shot of the Tirumala hills, with a view of devotees walking along the path.
Short clips featuring: pilgrims chanting and praying, intricate carvings and sculptures along the path, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
A journey of devotion: footage of devotees walking along the winding path, with shots of the hills and trees.
Where faith meets nature: clips of pilgrims offering prayers and performing rituals at various shrines along the path.
A path of reflection: shots of the path at different times of day, with changing light and shadows.
Connecting with the Divine: devotees sharing their experiences and emotions along the path.
Experience the journey: a sequence of shots shows the path, the hills, and devotees walking and praying.
Workstream Lead Smytta Yadav
Workstream Blog