Mon Jan 13 09:22:47 UTC 2025: ## Laurene Powell Jobs Visits Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Respecting Tradition
**Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh** – Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Sunday. While she participated in prayers and received blessings, she was not permitted to touch the Kashi Vishwanath Shivling, adhering to the temple’s long-standing tradition restricting such contact to Hindus.
Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, the spiritual leader who accompanied Ms. Jobs, explained the decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding Indian traditions and protocols. He clarified that there was no dispute and highlighted Ms. Jobs’s deep respect for Indian spirituality and her desire to learn about its customs. “She is very religious and spiritual,” he stated to news agency ANI. “She respects me as a father and a Guru.”
The Swami further revealed that Ms. Jobs’s visit was part of a larger pilgrimage, including participation in the ongoing Kumbh Mela festival. She is expected to take a holy dip in the Ganges River. The visit also included participation in a ceremony at the Niranjani Akhara.
The temple’s strict protocols regarding access to the Shivling were reiterated by the Swami, who emphasized his role in maintaining these ancient traditions. He stated that Ms. Jobs received prasad and a garland, and observed the Shivling from a respectful distance.
The Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering held every 12 years, is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees. The main bathing rituals are scheduled for January 14, January 29, and February 3. The festival concludes on February 26.
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