New Delhi: Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has arrived in Prayagraj to take part in Maha Kumbh. The billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist reached the camp of her guru Swami Kailashanand Giri on Sunday. Her guru has also given her a Hindu name “Kamla”.
Laurene was accompanied by a 40-member team when she landed in Prayagraj on Saturday night and entered the Kumbh Mela area on Sunday afternoon. Dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit with a Rakshasutra on her arm and a Rudraksh Mala around her neck, she was welcomed with synchronised trumpet music at her guru’s camp. Her spiritual guide, Swami Kailashanand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Niranjini Akhara, shared that she would participate in several religious rituals and ceremonies during her stay, according to a TOI report.
Laurene to take holy dip on Tuesday
Her first Sangam bath is scheduled for January 14, coinciding with the Amrit Snan. As per the Niranjini Akhara’s schedule, their Shahi Snan will take place between 7.05am and 7.45am, where Laurene will accompany her guru’s chariot. Laurene’s interest in Sanatan Dharma and its traditions is evident in her daily activities. Swami Kailashanand described her as “pure satvik”, adding that she practices Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation regularly. Her day at the camp includes meeting devotees, performing sadhana, and engaging in spiritual discussions.
During her welcome at the camp, she enjoyed traditional Indian hospitality, sipping masala tea in a kulhad and relishing a satvik lunch.
Before arriving in Prayagraj, Laurene visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday, where she offered prayers under her guru’s guidance. Adhering to temple protocols, she observed the sacred Shiva Linga from outside, as touching the deity is restricted for non-Hindus.
Highlights of her itinerary
Laurene’s schedule at Maha Kumbh is packed with spiritual and cultural engagements:
– January 14: To participate in Shahi Snan at Triveni Sangam.
– January 29: To attend the ceremonial Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya.
– Daily activities: Meditation, Kriya Yoga, and sadhana at the Niranjini Akhara camp.
Swami Kailashanand considers Laurene a spiritual daughter and has expressed joy at her dedication to Sanatan Dharma. He said that she has been bestowed with the Achyut Gotra, a spiritual lineage.
