Varanasi: Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and one of the world’s richest and most influential women, has embarked on a spiritual journey in India. On Saturday, Powell arrived in Varanasi and immersed herself in the spiritual ambiance of the city by boating on the sacred Ganges and visiting the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple. Wearing a pink suit with a scarf covering her head, Powell offered her prayers to Baba Vishwanath, gazing at the deity with deep reverence.
Following her visit to Varanasi, Powell is set to travel to Prayagraj on January 13, where she will partake in the Maha Kumbh Mela and perform Kalpavas, a rigorous spiritual fast involving meditation, prayer, and the study of Vedic scriptures. She will stay at the camp of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara for ten days, delving into Sanatan Dharma, spirituality, and Indian culture.
Powell’s spiritual guide, Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, has embraced her as a disciple, giving her the spiritual name “Kamala.” In a statement, he described her as “like a daughter” and emphasized her commitment to exploring Indian traditions. He shared that Powell will engage in pooja, meditation, and tapasya (austerity), which are integral components of Kalpavas.
To honor the sanctity of Hindu traditions, Powell took darshan of the Kashi Vishwanath temple from outside the sanctum sanctorum, adhering to the custom that non-Hindus should not touch the Shivling. Her visit to India marks her second journey to the country, underscoring her deep-rooted interest in spirituality and Indian culture.
The Jobs family has long been associated with Indian spirituality. Steve Jobs himself was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Baba Neem Karoli, a revered saint. In the 1970s, he spent seven months in India seeking spiritual enlightenment and visited Kainchi Dham in Nainital, where he found solace and inspiration. Powell’s visit to India echoes her late husband’s spiritual inclinations, further strengthening the family’s connection to Hinduism and Buddhism.
Powell’s decision to observe Kalpavas during the Maha Kumbh reflects her desire to immerse herself in Indian spiritual traditions. Kalpavas, a deeply spiritual practice, involves residing on the banks of the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—while adhering to strict rules. Observers of Kalpavas eat simple food, sleep minimally, meditate, study the Vedas, bathe in the Sangam thrice daily, and observe celibacy. Additionally, devotees perform rituals like pinddaan (offerings for ancestors) and participate in satsangs (spiritual discourses).
It is believed that observing Kalpavas during the Maha Kumbh bestows virtues equivalent to performing 10,000 Ashwamedha Yajnas. The holy dip in the Sangam is said to cleanse one’s sins and grant blessings from the divine, making Kalpavas a path to spiritual liberation.
Powell’s stay has been meticulously planned, with accommodations arranged in a luxurious Maharaja Deluxe Cottage at the Niranjani Akhara camp. Her visit coincides with one of the most auspicious events in Indian spirituality—the Maha Kumbh Mela, which begins on January 13 and concludes on February 26. The grand festival will witness millions of devotees gathering at the Sangam to participate in the main bathing rituals, including the Shahi Snan on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Powell is also expected to take the Amrit Snan (holy dip) on Makar Sankranti.
Moreover, she will be the first host of a spiritual Katha (discourse) starting on January 19, further symbolizing her immersion into Indian traditions.
Swami Kailashanand Giri emphasized the inclusivity of Indian spiritual practices, stating, “Everyone is welcome in Kumbh. Those who do not know much about our traditions want to learn a lot.” He hinted at the possibility of Powell participating in the Akhara’s grand procession, though her decision remains personal.
Powell’s presence at the Maha Kumbh is a testament to India’s global spiritual appeal. Her journey not only highlights her personal quest for enlightenment but also serves as a bridge connecting the East and the West, showcasing the timeless relevance of Indian traditions in a global context.
