Coming to India for the Maha Kumbh 2025, which is to start from January 13, Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, offered prayers on Tuesday at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple before she advances towards the city of Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is to take place.
Laurene, supported by Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, went within the temple precincts without the use of a langar or any other essentials.
She wore a pink suit and had a white "dupatta" on her head. Laurene offered her prayers from outside the sanctum sanctorum at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
"She followed the traditions of the temple.As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, none other than Hindus can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside," said the Swami.He also mentioned that they prayed for the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh without any obstacles or difficulty.
"Today, we have come to Kashi to pray to Mahadev that the Kumbh is completed without any obstacles. I came here to invite Mahadev. Our disciple Maharshi Vyasanand is with us from America. Tomorrow he is becoming a Mahamandaleshwar in my Akhara," he added.
Laurene, whom the Akhara has named 'Kamala', will visit the Maha Kumbh. She will stay in Kumbh and is also planning to take a dip in Ganga, said Kailashanand Giri.
'Maha Kumbh', the grand mela, will conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. It is held once every 12 years.
In an attempt to attract international tourists, the Union Tourism Ministry is going to provide a free-of-cost Tourist Infoline (1800111363 or 1363).
Besides English and Hindi, a free-of-cost Tourist Infoline will be operational in 10 International languages also to facilitate help, information, and guidance making the experience smoother and enjoyable for international visitors at the mega event.
Read also| Bulldozer Action Against Encroachments Intensifies in UP's Sambhal