Why Steve Jobs' Wife Laurene Powell Was Not Allowed To Touch Shiv Ling In Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj has put an end to the speculations over not allowing Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, to touch Shiv Ling at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh.

Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has embraced Indian traditions and spiritual practices during her visit to Uttar Pradesh. Powell Jobs, accompanied by Spiritual Leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers and participate in rituals.

Respecting Traditions

Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, speaking to ANI, highlighted the importance of adhering to temple protocols. He explained, "There is no dispute (regarding her visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple). I want to make this very clear. I am an Acharya and it is my job to follow the traditions, and fundamental principles and maintain the conduct... She is my daughter, and Maharishi Vyasananda was also there. All of our family did 'Abhishek' and worshipped... She was given prasad and a garland, but there is a tradition that anyone other than a Hindu cannot touch Kashi Vishwanath. If I do not maintain this tradition, then it will be broken..."

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of #Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday. Accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, she adhered to temple traditions during her visit pic.twitter.com/ai8Y9LtS31

— The Gorilla (News & Updates) (@iGorilla19) January 13, 2025

Participation in Mahakumbh Rituals

Laurene Powell Jobs also participated in rituals at the Niranjani Akhara in Prayagraj, where the Pattabhishek of Vyasanand Giri Maharaj was performed. The event was graced by several seers and devotees, with Powell Jobs actively taking part in the ceremonies.

Swami Kailashanand Giri shared that Powell Jobs plans to stay in Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh and take a holy dip in the Ganga. He stated, "She will also participate in the Kumbh and pray for its smooth completion."

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reached Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharajs Ashram pic.twitter.com/y20yu7bDSU

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

Mahakumbh 2025 Overview

The Mahakumbh, celebrated every 12 years, began on Monday with over 60 lakh people taking holy dip at the Sangam. The 45-day event is expected to witnss over 45 crore people. The grand event will conclude on February 26, 2025.

Not just Indians, many people are coming from foreign countries to watch the Kumbh Mela. Speaking to ANI, Fermin Ezcurdia said, "I am very excited about India. It is a wonderful country. 12 years ago I was at the previous Kumbh Mela for four days. It was insufficient for me; very little. Now I have come for 30 days."

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP: An Italian devotee who arrived at #MahaKumbhMela2025🕉️says "It is very powerful. There are a lot of emotions, colours and everything in my mind right now. This is my first time in India..." pic.twitter.com/Rbd0dmFrlp

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Javier de Uscaleria, who is from Spain, told the news agency, "I have visited India six times, with my first visit in 1984, and I have attended the Kumbh Mela two times. It was 12 years ago and now. It seems very surprising and draws a lot of attention."
A Bridge Between Cultures

Powell Jobs' visit highlights the growing global interest in Indian spirituality and traditions. Her respectful participation in rituals and adherence to temple customs have been appreciated by seers and devotees alike, marking a meaningful cultural exchange during one of India's most sacred events.