Laurene Powell, wife of Steve Jobs embraces spirituality at Maha Kumbh Mela

Laurene Powell Jobs, also known as 'Kamala,' the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has arrived in Prayagraj to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A devoted disciple of Swami Kailashnand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Niranjini Akhara, Laurene reached the spiritual camp on Saturday night, accompanied by a 40-member team. She will stay at the Kumbh and has plans to take a holy dip in the Ganga.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reached Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj's Ashram pic.twitter.com/y20yu7bDSU

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

Dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit, with a Rakshasutra on her arm and a Rudraksha mala around her neck, 'Kamala' was warmly welcomed at the camp on Sunday. The reception was marked by a grand trumpet fanfare, and she was served hot masala tea in a traditional kulhad.

Laurene was given the Hindu name 'Kamala' by Swami Kailashnand Giri, symbolizing her spiritual commitment. She will remain at the Niranjini Akhara camp until January 15, before heading back to the US to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

Before her arrival in Prayagraj, Laurene visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday, accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara. Laurene, dressed in a salwar suit with a dupatta on her head, offered prayers from outside the main temple area. Swami Kailashanand explained that according to the temple’s tradition, only Hindus are allowed to touch the Shivling, which is why Laurene prayed from outside the sanctum.

"I am an Acharya, and it is my duty to uphold traditions, principles, and conduct," Swami Kailashanand explained to news agency ANI.

"She is my daughter," he added. "All of our family participated in the 'Abhishek' and worshipped. She was given prasad and a garland. However, the tradition is that anyone other than a Hindu cannot touch Kashi Vishwanath. If I do not maintain this tradition, then it will be broken."

Swami Kailashanand also spoke to ANI about Laurene’s deep respect for Indian traditions and spirituality. "She is very religious and spiritual," he said. "She wants to learn about our traditions. She respects me as a father and a Guru. Everyone can learn from her. Indian traditions are being accepted by the world."

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, saw a massive influx of devotees on Sunday. Nearly 50 lakh pilgrims participated in the holy dip ahead of Paush Purnima, the first bathing festival.

The ceremonial Amrit Snan (auspicious bath) is scheduled for January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. All akharas, including Niranjini Akhara, will perform their ordained dips in a sequence, with the Niranjini Akhara scheduled to bathe between 7:05 am and 7:45 am.