Lauren Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently attended the renowned Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Her participation in the sacred event grabbed headlines, but reports now reveal that she fell ill after taking the ritualistic dip at the holy Sangam.
Swami Kailashanand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhada, shared, “Lauren is resting at my camp after facing some allergic reactions. She isn’t accustomed to crowded places and has shown great interest in our traditions.” He added that Lauren, known for her simplicity, actively participated in the prayers and rituals.
Lauren Powell Jobs has reportedly embraced Hindu traditions, taking Swami Kailashanand Giri as her spiritual guru. She was given the Hindu name “Kamala” and has expressed profound faith in Sanatan Dharma. Swami Kailashanand also assigned her a gotra (Hindu lineage), further solidifying her spiritual connection.
Brief Stay at Mahakumbh
Lauren will stay at the Niranjani Akhada camp in Prayagraj’s Kumbh Tent City until January 15. Following this, she plans to return to the U.S. to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
The Mahakumbh Connection
The Mahakumbh Mela, running from January 13 to February 26, has drawn millions of devotees, including prominent global figures like Lauren Powell Jobs. Upon arriving in India, Lauren first visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where her actions sparked debates. Reports suggest a discussion erupted regarding her avoidance of directly touching the Shivling during her visit.
This unique journey of Lauren Powell Jobs highlights the global appeal of India’s spiritual traditions, while her health concerns serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by international visitors unfamiliar with such environments.