Laurene Powell Jobsphilanthropist and wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs visited the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday, accompanied by the spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri of Niranjani Akhara. The visit, marked by reverence and adherence to Indian traditions, also included prayers for the happy completion of the upcoming Maha Kumbh.
Speaking to reporters outside the temple, Swami Kailashanand Giri clarified lingering speculation surrounding the visit, calling Powell Jobs “a daughter” and highlighting his deep respect for indian spirituality. “She is very religious and spiritual,” he said. “She wants to learn about our traditions and respects me as a father and guru. Indian traditions are being accepted by the world.”
He also addressed the temple’s strict protocols and noted that Powell Jobs followed all customs. “Non-Hindus cannot touch the Shivling, and she saw it from the outside. Traditions have to be maintained,” she explained, adding that she would participate in the Maha Kumbh, including a holy dip in the Ganges.
A global connection with Indian spirituality
Swami Kailashanand Giri also revealed that Akhara is preparing to appoint its first Mahamandaleshwar from the United States, Maharshi Vyasanand. The new leader expressed his gratitude and said, “I feel honored to represent the Shankaracharya Parampara before the world.”
The temple visit, which included rituals and offerings, underlined the growing global appeal of Indian spiritual traditions. “Today we pray to Mahadev for the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh,” the Maharaj added.
Maha Kumbh: a global gathering of faith
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, will host more than 45 crore people. devotees in Prayagraj. Key bathing dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, has seen an exponential increase in devotees since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham in December 2021. Powell Jobs’ visit reflects the growing global resonance of this sacred place.
Swami Kailashanand’s comments captured the importance of the moment: “Indian spirituality is reaching every corner of the world, and this visit is a testimony to that truth.”