VARANASI: Before heading to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, Laurene Powell Jobs, American billionaire businesswoman executive, philanthropist, and the widow of Steve Jobs, offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple under the supervision of Niranjani Akhara‘s Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanand Giri on Saturday.
Mentioning Laurene as his daughter, Acharya Kailashanand said, “I have given her my gotra and a name, Kamla. She has offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple and she will be participating in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 starting January 13.”
Laurene, one of the wealthiest women in the world, is likely to stay in the camp area of Niranjani Akhara for Kalpwas to gain a deeper understanding of Sanatan Dharma. Steve Jobs himself had visited India in mid-1974 in search of spiritual teachings and visited Kainchi Dham Ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, who had died in 1973.
Read more: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Laurene is visiting India to meet her guru, and during her stay, she will meet other ascetics and try to understand the traditions, said the seers during a brief chat with reporters at Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
They mentioned the possibility of her participation in the Akhara procession if she is interested in it. She will be staying in Maha Kumbh to meet saints, which will be a pleasant experience for both her and the hosts.
Acharya Kailashanand added that many people around the world are guided by a guru, and the Kumbh attracts visitors for personal and spiritual reasons.
