Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has finally shared her perspective on Mahamandleshwar controversy. For the unversed, she had stepped down as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at Maha Kumbh Mela. Here’s what she said.
Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni recently stepped down from Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj after a dispute between Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the Kinnar Akhada’s founder, Rishi Ajay Das. The fight took place due to Mamta as they gave her the title of Mahamandaleshwar. She said that she will continue her spiritual path as a “Sadhvi” (a female spiritual seeker).
Finally, Mamta has broken the silence over the controversy for the first time. She spoke to ANI and said, “…It was all in God’s hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my ‘tapasya’. So, that happened.”
Mamta said that she left the showbiz world to start her spiritual journey and took a new name – Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. She became a Mahamandaleshwar (a respected spiritual leader) on January 24 during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev criticized the actor’s appointment as Mahamandleshwar as he said that nobody can attain sainthood in a single day. “The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh,” Baba Ramdev said to media portal.
He also added saying, “Some individuals, who were indulged in worldly pleasures just yesterday, suddenly become saints or even attain titles like Mahamandaleshwar in a single day.” After Mamta was appointed the Mahamandleshwar, many saints have opposed the decision. Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi were expelled from the Akhada by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada.
Rishi Ajay Das issued a press release on January 30, 2025 and said, “As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made to promote religious activities and uplift the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.”
On the work front, Mamta was part of films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, among others. She quit the entertainment industry in the 2000s and relocated.
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