Actor-turned-spiritual leader Mamta Kulkarni, who recently embraced a renounced life and was consecrated as 'Mahamandaleshwar' during the Maha Kumbh, has stepped down from her position. The announcement came on Monday, February 10 with Kinnar Akhara's Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri confirming the news to Press Trust of India.
Mamta Kulkarni Steps Down as Mahamandaleshwar After Facing Backlash
In a video message, Mamta Kulkarni addressed the reasons behind her resignation. "I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, resign from my post. There was a problem between the Kinnar Akhara and other saints about me being made Mahamandaleshwar," she stated. Kulkarni also alleged that she was asked to pay Rs 2 lakh for the Mahamandaleshwar title. Claiming that her spiritual recognition was the result of decades of dedication, she said, "I saw that many people objected to me being given the post of Mahamandaleshwar. I did severe penance for 25 years under the guidance of Chaitanya Gagan Giri Maharaj."
Why Kinnar Akhada Expelled Mamta Kulkarni, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?
In a press statement released on Friday, January 31, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, announced the expulsion of former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni from the Akhara. He also expelled Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi, accusing her of treason and improper conduct. The statement revealed that Laxmi Narayan Tripathi had appointed Kulkarni as a Mahamandaleshwar without consulting Rishi Ajay Das.
Rishi Ajay Das expressed his dissatisfaction with Tripathi’s actions, stating, “I have relieved Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from his role because he has always strayed from the post for which he was appointed for the need of religious propagation and religious rituals as well as the upliftment of the Kinnar community, etc.”
According to Rishi Das, the actions of Mahamandaleshwar Tripathi and others in the Akhara were unconstitutional and went against the principles of Sanatana Dharma. The appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a figure linked to the glamour of the film industry and accused of treason, was also criticised for conflicting with the Akhara’s values.
Responding to the remarks, Tripathi said, “He (Ajay Das) is not even a member of the Akhara which was registered by me. A letter issued by him deserves nothing more than a dustbin.”
On January 24, 2025, during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, Kulkarni was initiated into the Kinnar Akhara, taking the new identity of "Mai Mamta Nand Giri," as confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh government. Kulkarni performed sacred rituals, including a dip in the Sangam waters and the "Pind Daan" ceremony, before her consecration as a spiritual leader. She met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Mahant Ravindra Puri to seek blessings.
Speaking about her transformation, Kulkarni said, "It will be my good fortune that I am also becoming a witness in this holy moment of Maha Kumbh." The actor revealed her spiritual dedication dates back to 2000 when she began her penance. “I started my penance (‘tapasya’) in 2000. And I chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as my ‘pattaguru’ because today is Friday... it is the day of Maha Kaali (Goddess Kaali),” she shared. Kulkarni also mentioned she had been preparing for the title of mahamandaleshwar but felt divinely guided to choose Tripathi as her guru.
Kulkarni underwent rigorous evaluation before earning the revered title of mahamandaleshwar, a spiritual leader tasked with guiding followers and promoting Sanatan Dharma. She explained, "I was asked what I did in 23 years. When I cleared all the examinations, I got the 'upaadhi' of mahamandaleshwar." She added, "No Maha Kumbh could be as pious as this one."
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