Reportedly, American billionaire and Philanthropist, Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple founder Steve Jobs, is scheduled to attend Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. Swami Kailashnand Ji Maharaj told ANI that she is going to visit her guru in Mahakumbh. He said, “She is coming to visit her Guru here. We have named her Kamla and she is like a daughter to us. This is the second time she is coming to India…Everyone is welcome in Kumbh.” He also said that she is coming to Mahakumbh to meditate.
#WATCH | Prayagraj | Speaking on Apple's co-founder late Steve Jobs' wife, Laurene Powell Jobs to attend Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, Spiritual guru Swami Kailashanand Ji Maharaj says, "She is coming to visit her Guru here. We have named her Kamla and she is like a daughter to us.… pic.twitter.com/fwlY3phfhz
— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2025
When asked about whether Powell will be included in the Akhara’s Peshawai, he said, “We will try to include her in the Peshwai. We will leave it to her to decide. She will tour this Kumbh and meet the seers here. She will also feel good. we will also feel good that those who don’t know much about our traditions want to learn.”
Powell To Perform Kalpavas..
As per media reports, Laurene Powell Jobs will participate in several rituals and will also observe Kalpavas during her 17 day visit. Kalpavas is a spiritual practice in Hinduism which is also mentioned in Mahabharat and Ramcharitmanas. It is said to be a challenging sadhana which requires lot of restrain and control. During this sadhana one has to stay at the Sangam for an entire month of Magh. Those who practice this are said to gain spiritual benefits equivalent to the reward of performing penance without food for 100 years. They are also said to achieve the desired results and gain freedom from the cycle of life and death.
The Kalpavasi, those who perform this, begin their sadhana by setting up temporary tents at Sangam. During their sadhana they take dip in the holy Ganga river and participate in various devotional activities. The ultimate goal of Kalpavas is to purify mind and body and gain spiritual enlightenment.
Notably, Laurene’s participation highlights the continued global appeal of the Mahakumbh, which attracts people from around the world.