Head priest of Pashupatinath resigns over 8216;offerings8217; row

Mahabalshwar Bhatt,the head priest of the Pashupatinath temple has resigned from his post after a disagreement with the governing trust over his share in the special cash offered to the deity,in addition to his salary of Rs three and a half lakh per month.

Pashupati Area Development Trust sources confirmed his resignation but declined to divulge details as the issue is being handled by the Minister for Culture.

According to available information,the head priest resigned as the trust refused to give him Rs 1 crore 20 per cent of the total Rs 5 crore that was offered to the temple in cash during special poojas conducted last year.