Steve Jobs’ 1974 Letter on Kumbh Mela Auctioned for Rs 4.32 Crore; Wife Attends Maha Kumbh 2025

Prayagraj: A handwritten letter by Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, reflecting his spiritual aspirations to visit India and attend the Kumbh Mela, has been auctioned by Bonhams for a remarkable $500,312 (Rs 4.32 crore). The 1974 letter, written just before his 19th birthday and addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown, reveals Jobs’ deep interest in Zen Buddhism and Indian spirituality. His words, imbued with introspection, express his desire to experience the grand Kumbh Mela: “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April.” Signing off with “Shanti, Steve Jobs,” the letter also touches on his emotional struggles, mentioning that he had “cried many times.”

Jobs’ journey to India in 1974 profoundly shaped his life. Inspired by Neem Karoli Baba, he traveled to Kainchi Dham, where he stayed for months, immersing himself in spiritual practices. When he returned to the U.S., his transformation was striking—his head shaved, skin tanned by the sun, and clothed in Indian robes, embodying the influence of Indian culture and Hindu philosophy on his worldview.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ Spiritual Pilgrimage at Maha Kumbh

Now, more than 50 years later, Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, has fulfilled his spiritual yearning by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. Accompanied by a 40-member team, she has been actively participating in spiritual practices under the guidance of her guru, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara. Swami Kailashanand has bestowed upon her the name Kamala and the Achyuta gotra, symbolizing her embrace of Sanatan Dharma. He described her as a humble and virtuous woman deeply committed to learning about Indian traditions.

Despite developing allergies due to the massive crowds, Laurene remained determined to partake in the sacred rituals. Although unable to participate in the first Amrit Snan at the Sangam, her guru performed a symbolic ritual by pouring the holy water of the Sangam over her. Following this, she pledged to wear Rudraksha beads and fully embrace the spiritual path laid out by her mentor.

Engagement in Sanatan Practices and Visits to Holy Sites

Laurene’s spiritual journey has also taken her to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where she adhered to Hindu customs by refraining from touching the sacred Shivling, instead offering prayers from outside the sanctum. Her respect for temple protocols has been commended by her guru and the temple authorities. Swami Kailashanand described her as “free from ego and fully devoted to her guru,” highlighting her quest for knowledge about India’s spiritual heritage.

A Global Spotlight on Indian Spirituality

Laurene’s participation in the Maha Kumbh reflects the enduring global fascination with Indian spiritual traditions, particularly as technology and spirituality intersect in the lives of influential figures. Her pilgrimage serves as a symbolic continuation of Steve Jobs’ spiritual legacy and his transformative experiences in India.

Laurene Powell Jobs, now Kamala, is expected to leave for the United States on January 16 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new U.S. President, but her experience at the Maha Kumbh and her ongoing engagement with Sanatan Dharma mark a significant chapter in her personal spiritual exploration.