Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj addressed the press and people concerned regarding Laurene Powell Jobs's visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. He highlighted her deep respect for Indian spirituality and traditions. Laurene, the wife of late Steve Jobs, visited the temple on Sunday but, as per tradition, was not allowed to touch the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Shivling.
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Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj clarified the temple's rules and rituals, explaining that as an Acharya he upholds these traditions and ensures their observance of the traditions. He highlighted Laurene Jobs's reverence for Indian spirituality, stating, "She is religious and spiritual. Laurene wants to learn about Hindu traditions... and Giri Maharaj as a father and a Guru... Everyone can learn from Laurene as to how Indian traditions are being accepted by the world..."
He further emphasised that there was no dispute regarding her visit to the temple, stating, "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..."
Addressing why Laurene was not permitted to touch the Shivling, Giri Maharaj explained, "As per Indian tradition in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside... Laurene is expected to stay during Mahakumbh Kumbh and take a dip in Ganga."
He also shared that he and Laurene visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Saturday to pray for the successful completion of the Mahakumbh, saying, "Today, we have come to Kashi to pray to Mahadev that the Kumbh is completed without any obstacles... I came here to invite Mahadev."
In a separate event, the Pattabhishek (consecration ceremony) of Vyasanand Giri Maharaj was conducted at the Niranjani Akhara in the presence of Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, with Laurene also participating in the rituals.
The Mahakumbh, a significant religious gathering celebrated every 12 years, is expected to attract over 40 crore devotees. During this event, devotees will converge at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip. The Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26th. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) or Amrit Snan of the Mahakumbh are on January 14th (Makar Sankranti), January 29th (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3rd (Basant Panchami).
