The black turtleneck, the minimalist design philosophy, and the Apple empire; these are symbols of Steve Jobs that remain recognisable well beyond the tech entrepreneur's death well over a decade ago. But beyond the world of technology, Jobs had a deep and well-documented fascination with Eastern spirituality—one that led him to India in his youth and continued to shape his worldview. One of the more unexpected links between Jobs and India is the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest spiritual gathering. This connection, both direct and indirect, continues to unfold today, with Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, set to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025.

The 19-Year-Old Jobs and His Quest for Spirituality

Long before the iPhone and MacBook, a teenage Steve Jobs was just another restless seeker looking for meaning beyond the material world. In 1974, at the age of 19, Jobs wrote a letter to his childhood friend Tim Brown, expressing his wish to attend the Kumbh Mela in India. “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, not really certain yet,” Jobs wrote, signing off with a simple "Shanti, Steve Jobs".

Decades later, that very letter resurfaced, becoming a collector’s item. In 2025, Jobs' handwritten note expressing his desire to witness the Kumbh Mela fetched a staggering ₹4.32 crore ($500,312) at an auction. The fact that a simple, heartfelt letter from a young, ambitious seeker could hold such monetary value speaks volumes about the mythical status Jobs attained in the years that followed. This letter, now over 50 years old, reveals Jobs’ early interest in Hinduism and spiritual exploration. In the note, he also referenced his engagement with Zen Buddhism and his broader quest for enlightenment. His use of the Sanskrit-derived 'Shanti' (peace) as a sign-off reflects the sincerity of his immersion in Eastern traditions. The letter provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind of a young Jobs—curious, driven, and already seeking something deeper than conventional success.

Jobs' spiritual exploration was deeply rooted in the countercultural movements of the 1970s, particularly in California, where Eastern religions—especially Zen Buddhism—were becoming wildly popular. Many young seekers at the time were drawn to meditation, Hindu philosophy, and Buddhist teachings as a response to the materialism and rigid structures of Western life. The Bay Area, where Jobs grew up, was a hotspot for these ideas, with figures like Alan Watts popularizing Zen concepts and yoga studios becoming increasingly common. Jobs, inspired by this environment, immersed himself in spiritual literature, practiced meditation, and eventually embarked on his Indian pilgrimage in search of deeper wisdom.

This fascination with Hinduism and Eastern religion wasn’t just a passing phase—it was a foundational influence in his life. His trip to India in 1974 was fueled by a desire to meet Neem Karoli Baba, the famed Hindu mystic. Though he arrived after the guru’s passing, Jobs spent months immersing himself in ashrams, experimenting with ascetic living, and absorbing the philosophical teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism.

This experience profoundly shaped Jobs’ worldview. He frequently spoke about intuition, simplicity, and focus—concepts deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy. His reverence for Zen Buddhism later influenced Apple’s design ethos, emphasizing minimalism and eliminating unnecessary complexity. Jobs often credited his Indian journey with giving him the perspective that helped him build Apple into what it became—though it's notable that he never chose to return to the country. His belief in staying open to the unknown, following instinct, and embracing impermanence can all be traced back to these formative months in India.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ Spiritual Pilgrimage

Fast forward to 2025, and Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, is carrying forward his spiritual connection with India by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She isn’t just visiting as a spectator but will be observing Kalpvas, an ancient Hindu spiritual discipline. Kalpvasis, as the participants are called, renounce material comforts, living in tents by the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The ritual involves daily dips in the river, meditation, and spiritual discourses, all aimed at purification and self-realisation.

Powell Jobs is expected to stay at the camp of Swami Kailashananda, the Mahamandaleshwar of the Niranjani Akhara, one of the largest sects of ascetics in India. She will fully immerse herself in the many customs of the Mela.

While Jobs never made it to the Kumbh Mela, his widow’s journey serves as a symbolic fulfilment of that long-standing wish. It’s a reminder that some legacies extend beyond the technological realm—into the deeply personal, the spiritual, and the timeless traditions that inspire seekers across the world.