Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday. She was accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara.
Offerings and Prayers
Laurene wore a pink suit with a white ‘dupatta’ on her head. She offered prayers from outside the sanctum sanctorum. Swami Kailashanand Giri explained, “As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That’s why she was made to see the Shivling from outside.”
#WATCH | Varanasi, UP | Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/TMv1W3t4iw
— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025
Praying for the Maha Kumbh’s Success
Together, Laurene and Swami Kailashanand Giri prayed for the smooth completion of the Maha Kumbh. “We have come to Kashi to pray to Mahadev that the Kumbh is completed without any obstacles,” Giri said. He also mentioned that their disciple, Maharshi Vyasanand, would become a Mahamandaleshwar in the Akhara the following day.
Laurene to Attend the Maha Kumbh
Laurene, who was renamed ‘Kamala,’ will attend the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. She plans to stay there and take a dip in the Ganga. Swami Kailashanand Giri confirmed her participation in the event.
Maha Kumbh Preparations and Security
The UP government has put in place extensive security measures for the Maha Kumbh. It has set up AI-powered CCTVs, underwater drones, and advanced facilities for visitors. To ensure smooth transportation, electric buses have been deployed across the state. On Saturday, a 45-minute water laser show was launched at Yamuna Bank Ghat, which cost nearly Rs 20 crore.
