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God loves direct deposit. The Sri Venkateswara temple in southern India now accepts ATM donations on behalf of its custodian, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The service is provided through the local office of ICICI Bank, and TTD plans to expand it to other branches around the country. Launched in 2002, the ATM system - and a Web site for online giving - is an attempt to streamline transactions. Some 50,000 worshippers throng Sri Venkateswara daily with offerings of cash and gold, and that number doubles during festivals. "Technology has helped devotees get closer to God," says P. Krishnaiah, TTD's executive officer. It's also helped the organization extend the reach of India's most prosperous temple, with annual revenues topping $100 million.
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