Steve Jobs's Wife Falls Sick Ahead of ‘Amrit Snan’ at Maha Kumbh

Prayagraj: Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' wife, Laurene Powell Jobs reportedly fell ill ahead of the 'Amrit Snan' at Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.  

She was scheduled to take the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers on Tuesday. However, Swami Kailashanand Giri informed that she fell sick due to an allergic reaction during her journey from Varanasi to Prayagraj. 

"She will participate in the ritual of taking a dip (at the Sangam). She is resting in my 'shivir'. However, she has some allergies. She has never been to such a crowded place. She is quite simple. She stayed with us during the pooja. Our tradition is such that those who have never seen it - they all want to join," Swami Kailashananda of Niranjan Akhara told news agency ANI. 

Earlier, she visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi along with her guru, Swami Kailashanand Giri, whom she met in Prayagraj. On Saturday, the duo visited the sacred temple, where she offered prayers to Lord Shiva.  

As per temple traditions, Powell prayed from outside the sanctum, as touching the Shivlinga is not permitted.

"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," Giri added.

Apart from the temple visit, the Maharaj also mentioned that the Niranjani Akhara will be getting a new Mahamandaleshwar, Maharshi Vyasanand, who is from the USA.

"Our disciple Maharshi Vyasanand is with us from America. Tomorrow he is becoming a Mahamandaleshwar in my Akhara," Kailashanand Giri added.

On being chosen as a Mahamandaleshwar, Vyasanand Giri expressed his gratitude for being chosen and said he would serve as an ambassador for the 'Shankaracharya Parampara' to the whole world.

The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26.

The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 ( Makar Sankranti ), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).