Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently immersed herself in the cultural and spiritual richness of India by attending the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She is currently participating in various cultural events and made an effort to understand and embrace Indian traditions.

Before heading to Prayagraj, Laurene made a stop at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. However, her visit made headlines as she was not permitted to touch the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Shivling, a restriction stemming from long-standing Indian traditions and temple protocols.

Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, a respected spiritual leader, clarified the matter, emphasising his responsibility to uphold the temple’s traditions. Addressing speculation about the visit, he praised Laurene for her deep respect for Indian spirituality and customs.

"She is very religious and spiritual. She wants to learn about our traditions... She respects me as a father and a Guru... Everyone can learn from her. Indian traditions are being accepted by the world," Swami Kailashanand Giri told ANI.

Explaining the protocols, Swami Kailashanand Giri further elaborated, "There is no dispute (regarding her visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple). I want to make this very clear. I am an Acharya and it is my job to follow the traditions and fundamental principles and maintain the conduct... She is my daughter, and Maharishi Vyasananda was also there. All of our family did 'Abhishek' and worshipped... She was given prasad and a garland, but there is a tradition that anyone other than a Hindu cannot touch Kashi Vishwanath. If I do not maintain this tradition, then it will be broken."

Explaining why Laurene was not allowed to touch the Shivling, Swami Kailashanand Giri, said, “As per our Indian tradition in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside... She will also stay in Kumbh and take a dip in Ganga.”

The spiritual leader also highlighted that Laurene showed immense respect for the temple’s traditions and expressed her intention to further partake in the spiritual experiences of the Kumbh, including the ritual of bathing in the sacred Ganga.

She will stay at the Niranjini Akhara camp until January 15 before returning to the United States to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.