
Laurene Powell Jobs, widely known as ‘Kamala’ in her spiritual circles, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has reached Prayagraj to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela. A devoted follower of Swami Kailashnand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Niranjini Akhara, she arrived at the camp on Saturday night with a team of 40. She plans to stay at the Niranjini Akhara camp until January 15 and participate in spiritual activities, including a holy dip in the sacred Ganga.
A Spiritual Journey
Laurene Powell Jobs, who was given the Hindu name ‘Kamala’ by Swami Kailashnand Giri to honor her spiritual involvement, was warmly welcomed to the camp on Sunday. Dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit, with a Rakshasutra on her arm and a Rudraksha mala around her neck, she was greeted with a grand trumpet fanfare and served masala tea in a traditional kulhad.
Before her arrival in Prayagraj, Kamala visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where she offered prayers outside the sanctum, adhering to the temple tradition that prohibits non-Hindus from entering the main sanctum. Swami Kailashnand explained, “It is my duty to uphold our traditions. While she could not touch the Shivling, she prayed with utmost respect and received prasad and a garland.”
The spiritual leader described Kamala as deeply religious and eager to learn about Indian traditions. “She respects me as a father and a Guru. Indian spirituality and traditions are being embraced worldwide, and Kamala’s journey is a testament to that,” he told reporters.
Maha Kumbh Mela in Full Swing
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand confluence of faith held at the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, witnessed an influx of nearly 50 lakh devotees on Sunday ahead of Paush Purnima, the first major bathing festival.
The ceremonial Amrit Snan (auspicious bath), scheduled for January 14 on Makar Sankranti, will see Niranjini Akhara taking their ordained dip between 7:05 AM and 7:45 AM, followed by other akharas.
Laurene Powell Jobs, after her stay at the camp, is expected to return to the United States to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
A Global Spiritual Connection
Kamala’s participation in the Maha Kumbh Mela highlights the growing global interest in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. As she immerses herself in the sacred traditions of the Kumbh, her journey resonates as a bridge between two worlds, blending technology, spirituality, and tradition.
Sources By Agencies