The late Steve Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, was prohibited from touching the Kashi Vishwanath Shivling in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj emphasized the importance of adhering to Indian customs and regulations while providing an explanation for the refusal of permission.

“She has a strong spirituality and religion. She’s curious about our customs… She regards me as a Guru and a parent. She has lessons for everyone. The world is beginning to adopt Indian customs. The news outlet ANI cited Swami Kailashanand Giri’s statement.

“There is no dispute (about her visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple),” he said, explaining the temple’s stringent procedures. I want to be extremely clear about this. It is my responsibility as an Acharya to uphold the behavior and adhere to the customs and core values. Maharishi Vyasananda was also present, and she is my daughter. We prayed and performed ‘Abhishek’ as a family. Prasad and a garland were presented to her, however it is customary for only Hindus to touch Kashi Vishwanath. This tradition will be ruined if I don’t uphold it.”

Here’s Why Laurene Powell Jobs Is Not Permitted to Touch Shivling

Spiritual Leader Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj explained why Laurene Powell Jobs was prohibited from touching the Kashi Vishwanath Shivling: “In accordance with our Indian custom, no other Hindu is permitted to touch the Shivling in Kashi Vishwanath. She was forced to see the Shivling from the outside for that reason. Additionally, she will remain in Kumbh and swim in the Ganga.

On Saturday, Laurene Powell Jobs and Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara traveled to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

We have traveled to Kashi today to offer prayers to Mahadev for the successful completion of the Kumbh. Outside the temple, he told reporters, “I came here to invite Mahadev.”

The Maharaj said that Laurene Powell Jobs was going to swim in the Ganga and that she respected the temple’s customs.

Laurene Powell Jobs participated in the ceremonies for Vyasanand Giri Maharaj’s Pattabhishek, which was conducted in Niranjani Akhara in front of Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj.

Over 40 crore devotees are anticipated to attend the Mahakumbh, which is being commemorated after a 12-year hiatus. Devotees will assemble to take a sacred bath at the Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, during the festival. On February 26, the Mahakumbh will come to an end.

On January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami), the Kumbh’s main bathing ceremonies (Shahi Snan) will take place.