Key Takeaways:

• Steve Jobs' handwritten letter expressing a wish to attend Kumbh Mela sold for over $500,000 at auction.
• Laurene Powell Jobs honored her late husband's dream by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, India.
• The letter offers insights into Jobs' spiritual beliefs and his connection to Indian culture.
• During his travels in India, Jobs was profoundly influenced by Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba.
• The Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, attracts millions of devotees from around the world.

A handwritten letter by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs expressing his desire to visit India and attend the Kumbh Mela has been auctioned for an impressive $500,312.50 (approximately INR 4.32 crore). This auction coincides with his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, fulfilling her late husband's long-held aspiration. Written on February 23, 1974—Jobs' 19th birthday—the letter was addressed to his childhood friend, Tim Brown.

In this letter, Jobs articulates his wish to attend the Kumbh Mela, stating, "I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April." This moment serves as a poignant reflection of Jobs' intersection with spirituality, particularly his interest in Zen Buddhism and Hinduism, as he signed off with “Shanti, Steve Jobs.” He candidly shared his emotional struggles during this period, noting he had “cried many times.” Jobs had intended to visit the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand, but upon discovering the revered figure had passed away, he spent time in Kainchi Dham, where he immersed himself in the teachings that left a profound impact on him.

His transformative experience in India lasted seven months, during which he adopted local customs. Upon returning home, he remarked on his appearance, stating, “My head had been shaved, I was wearing Indian cotton robes, and my skin had turned a deep, chocolate brown-red from the sun.” The letter, auctioned by Bonhams (more details on the auction can be read at India Times), captures a unique glimpse into Jobs' philosophical depth.

Laurene Powell Jobs, embodying the spirit of her husband’s wish, has been actively participating in spiritual practices at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Under the guidance of Swami Kailashanand Giri, who conferred the Hindu name "Kamala" upon her, she has engaged in meditation, Kriya Yoga, and Pranayama alongside a team of 40 others. Her participation highlights the universal significance of the event, which is celebrated every 12 years and attracts millions of devotees around the world.

Steve Jobs' journey in India is widely acknowledged as shaping his worldview and approach to innovation, serving as a reminder of his legacy not only as a technology pioneer but also as a seeker of higher truths. The recent auction of his letter alongside Laurene Powell Jobs' #persistent devotion to his spiritual interests emphasizes the enduring impact of his explorations in spirituality and culture. As millions gather at the Kumbh Mela, Jobs' legacy continues to resonate.

For more information on the significance of the Kumbh Mela, visit India Times.