Nepal SBI Bank, a subsidiary of State Bank of India, has opened a permanent counter at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Pashupati counter will provide banking services, including deposit collection, cash payment to Pashupati Development Trust and employees/personnel as well its associated entities, Nepal SBI Bank said in a statement.

The counter will also collect charges to be paid by worshipers for 'special worship' on the temple premises.

The bank is also preparing to install an ATM in Pashupati Area in the near future. The banking outlet has been made functional on the eve of Mahashivratri, Nepal SBI said in a statement.

V. K. Tyagi, Chief Operating Officer of the bank, said that Nepal SBI is the only banking outlet on the world heritage premises and would cater to the banking needs of millions of religious tourists who visit the temple each year. SBI holds 55 per cent shares in the bank's share capital and the rest is held by a local partner namely Employee Provident Fund (15 per cent) and general public (30 per cent).

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