Laurene Powell Jobs receives Hindu name 'Kamala' during visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple

Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is in India to attend the Mahakumbh, a major religious event that begins on January 13, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. During her visit, Powell Jobs was given a Hindu name, ‘Kamala,’ by Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, the head of the Niranjani Akhara, a prominent Hindu sect. This marks Powell Jobs's second visit to India. The primary focus of her visit is her personal spiritual journey, where she plans to engage in meditation and take part in various religious practices related to the Kumbh Mela.

On January 13, Powell Jobs visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where she was accompanied by Kailashanand Giri Maharaj. The seer explained that Powell Jobs was named ‘Kamala’ in recognition of her spiritual connection and that she was treated like a daughter within the Akhara. As part of her visit, Powell Jobs adhered to the temple’s traditions, including the custom where non-Hindus are not allowed to touch the Shivling. She was allowed to see the Shivling from a distance, a practice in line with temple customs for visitors of other faiths.

Giri Maharaj mentioned that Powell Jobs was visiting India for a personal spiritual program. "She is coming here to meditate," he stated. In addition to her visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Powell Jobs is expected to participate in the sacred rituals of the Mahakumbh, including taking a ritual dip in the Ganga, an important act for pilgrims seeking purification and spiritual renewal. The seer further stated that she would stay at the Kumbh for a duration to deepen her understanding of the religious practices associated with the event.

While discussing the visit, Giri Maharaj also shared his prayers for the success of the Mahakumbh. He noted that he and Powell Jobs had prayed for the smooth and obstacle-free completion of the Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees from around the world. "I came here to invite Mahadev and pray that the Kumbh is completed without any obstacles," he said, reflecting the spiritual significance of the gathering.

In addition to the visit by Powell Jobs, Giri Maharaj announced that the Niranjani Akhara would be officially inducting a new Mahamandaleshwar, Maharshi Vyasanand, from the United States. Maharshi Vyasanand, who has been associated with the Akhara for some time, will assume the title of Mahamandaleshwar, a prestigious position within the Akhara that involves spiritual leadership and responsibility. The ceremony for Maharshi Vyasanand’s initiation will take place during the ongoing Kumbh Mela, marking an important event for the Akhara’s followers.