Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj’s Ashram in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Her visit highlighted her deep respect for Indian spirituality and traditions.
Clarifying Kashi Vishwanath Temple Protocols
Swami Kailashanand Giri addressed speculation surrounding Laurene Powell Jobs’s visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, emphasizing her adherence to temple traditions.
“She is very religious and spiritual. She wants to learn about our traditions… She respects me as a father and a Guru… Indian traditions are being accepted by the world,” Swami Kailashanand Giri told media.
On the temple’s strict protocols, he clarified:
“There is no dispute (regarding her visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple). She was given prasad and a garland, but as per tradition, anyone other than a Hindu cannot touch Kashi Vishwanath. If I do not maintain this tradition, then it will be broken.”
Rituals Performed by Laurene Powell Jobs
During her visit to Kashi, Laurene Powell Jobs participated in rituals under the guidance of Swami Kailashanand Giri and Maharishi Vyasananda. She also expressed her intent to take a holy dip in the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh.
“As per our Indian tradition in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That’s why she was made to see the Shivling from outside… She will also stay in Kumbh and take a dip in Ganga,” the Swami added.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Highlights
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, is underway in Prayagraj, with over 45 crore devotees expected to attend.
- Main Bathing Dates (Shahi Snan):
- January 14 (Makar Sankranti)
- January 29 (Mauni Amavasya)
- February 3 (Basant Panchami)
- Devotees gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, for a holy dip.
- The event will conclude on February 26.