Laurene Powell Jobs, the spouse of the deceased Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Nonetheless, she was not allowed to touch the Kashi Vishwanath Shivling. Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj explained that this decision adhered to established temple protocols.
Swami Kailashanand Giri commended Laurene Powell Jobs for her respect towards Indian spirituality. “She is quite religious and spiritual. She seeks to learn about our customs. . . She regards me as a father and a Guru. . . Anyone can learn from her. Worldwide acceptance of Indian traditions is occurring. . . ” he conveyed to ANI.
He additionally clarified that there was no problem with her visiting the temple, emphasizing the necessity of upholding religious customs. “I am an Acharya, and my role is to observe the traditions, core principles, and uphold the conduct. . . She is like my daughter, and Maharishi Vyasananda was also present. All of our family performed ‘Abhishek’ and worshipped. . . She received prasad and a garland, but there exists a tradition that prohibits anyone besides a Hindu from touching Kashi Vishwanath. If I fail to uphold this tradition, it will be compromised. ”
Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj elucidated the reason Laurene Powell Jobs could not touch the Shivling: “In accordance with our Indian tradition in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. Therefore, she was instructed to view the Shivling from a distance. . . She will also remain at Kumbh and immerse herself in Ganga. ”
During their visit to the temple, Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj and Laurene Powell Jobs took part in a prayer offering to Mahadev for the prosperous completion of the Kumbh. He called upon Mahadev to bless the occasion, which is anticipated to draw millions of devotees.
Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj also noted Laurene Powell Jobs’ involvement in the rituals at Niranjani Akhara, where the Pattabhishek of Vyasanand Giri Maharaj was conducted. Laurene is also intending to participate in the Kumbh, which includes taking a sacred dip in the Ganga.
The Mahakumbh, which takes place once every 12 years, is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees. The primary bathing ceremonies will occur on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami), with the event concluding on February 26.
