And finally…sharing the collection plate

The Siddhivinayak Temple, which reportedly counts the rich and powerful among its devotees, has opened up the account to pass share certificates between investors.

The account has been opened so that people can make donations other than cash or gold.

“We want to send the message that we accept shares as well,” said Narendra Murari Rane, the chairman of the trust which runs the temple.

The temple is visited by thousands of worshippers each month and now those who wish to donate can do so anywhere.

According to The Hindu newspaper, there are future plans to allow the market-savvy faithful to give mutual funds, bonds and gold exchange-traded funds.