Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has arrived in Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela. A devoted follower of Swami Kailashanand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of the Niranjini Akhara, she reached the spiritual camp on Saturday night, accompanied by a 40-member entourage. Known by her Hindu name, ‘Kamala,’ bestowed upon her by the spiritual leader, she plans to stay at the camp until January 15 and take a ceremonial dip in the Ganga.
Dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit, with a Rakshasutra tied around her arm and a Rudraksha mala adorning her neck, Laurene was warmly welcomed at the camp on Sunday. According to reports from ANI, her reception included traditional fanfare with trumpets and the serving of hot masala tea in a traditional kulhad.
Swami Kailashanand Giri explained that he gave her the name ‘Kamala’ as a symbol of her spiritual connection and respect for Indian traditions.
Before arriving in Prayagraj, Laurene visited the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday. Accompanied by Swami Kailashanand, she offered prayers outside the main temple sanctum, as per temple tradition. Swami Kailashanand explained that only Hindus are permitted to touch the Shivling within the temple.
“I am an Acharya, and I must uphold our traditions and principles,” Swami Kailashanand told ANI. He emphasized that while Laurene could not physically touch the Shivling, she participated in the rituals with great reverence. “She is like a daughter to me. She respects me as a father and Guru, and her dedication to understanding Indian traditions is admirable,” he added.
Laurene’s spiritual journey has drawn attention to Indian customs and rituals, with Swami Kailashanand praising her for embracing these practices wholeheartedly. “She is deeply spiritual and respectful of our traditions. Her actions demonstrate how Indian customs are being embraced globally,” he remarked.
Laurene is scheduled to leave Prayagraj on January 15 to return to the United States, where she will attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.