Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has been bestowed with the Hindu name "Kamala" by the Niranjani Akhara, a prominent organization of saints. The 61-year-old American entrepreneur and philanthropist is in India to participate in the Maha Kumbh 2025, taking place in Prayagraj.
During her visit, Laurene Powell Jobs visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, where she worshipped Baba Kashi Vishwanath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and performed the sacred ritual of 'jalabhishek,' offering water to the deity. Dressed in a pink suit with a white dupatta covering her head, she prayed for the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh. Security at the temple was heightened for her visit.
Over the next three weeks, Powell Jobs will follow the spiritual practice of 'Kalpavas' under the guidance of Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of the Niranjani Akhara. As part of this tradition, she will live a simple and disciplined lifestyle for 10 days, which includes bathing in a holy river every morning, meditating, chanting mantras, and reading scriptures. She will also observe a strict diet of 'satvik' vegetarian meals without onion, garlic, or heavy spices, and prepare her own food or share meals made by fellow devotees.
In addition, Powell Jobs will sleep on the ground, avoid wearing gold or consuming sweets, and plant a tulsi sapling. Her commitment to spiritual practices reflects her deep interest in Indian traditions and culture.
The Maha Kumbh, the largest religious gathering in the world, officially begins on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Held once every 12 years, this massive event is expected to draw 1.5 million foreign visitors, as stated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.