Mamta Kulkarni expelled from Kinnar Akhara amidst controversy over her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar
Mamta Kulkarni expelled: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who was recently appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the Mahakumbh Mela, has been expelled from the Akhara following widespread controversy. The decision to expel Kulkarni was made by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhara, who also expelled Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi for inducting her into the Akhara without his knowledge.
Kulkarni, who had been conferred the spiritual name Shriyamai Mamta Nand Giri by Laxminarayan Tripathi during her initiation ceremony, quickly found herself at the centre of a spiritual storm. Her rise to the prestigious position of Mahamandaleshwar has drawn sharp criticism from several prominent saints and spiritual leaders.
Rishi Ajay Das, founder of Kinnar Akhara, expels Mamta Kulkarni from the Akhara. He has also expelled Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from the Kinnar Akhara for inducting Mamta Kulkarni, who is accused of treason, to the Akhara and designating her as Mahamandaleshwar… pic.twitter.com/Hhzezst49r
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2025
Other spiritual leaders, including Mahamandaleshwar Balaknanda Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Anand Akhara, echoed similar concerns. They emphasised that the title of Mahamandaleshwar is granted only after a rigorous examination of a person’s character, background, and moral conduct. According to these leaders, such a position requires a person to possess not only spiritual knowledge but also a reputation that reflects the values of the Akhara.
Mahamandaleshwar Ramakrishnanand Giri, from the Panch Dasnam Agni Akhara, also raised doubts, stressing that a person in such an elevated position must lead by example and demonstrate good moral character.
Despite the criticism, some supporters of Kulkarni defended her appointment, asserting that her past should not overshadow her spiritual journey.
- With inputs from agencies