Mamta Kulkarni Resigns as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara Amid Controversy

Mamta Kulkarni Resigns: Mamta Kulkarni, the former Bollywood actress, has officially resigned from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara. Her resignation comes amidst internal conflicts and opposition from other saints regarding her spiritual credentials. Kulkarni confirmed her departure through a video statement, citing her long-standing spiritual journey and the controversy surrounding her appointment.

Mamta Kulkarni’s Resignation Announcement

In a video statement, Mamta Kulkarni, also known as Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, declared her resignation. She stated, “I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am stepping down from this position.” Kaushalya Nand Giri, a senior figure in Kinnar Akhara, also confirmed Kulkarni’s resignation.

Kulkarni emphasized her deep spiritual practices, saying, “My Guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, was a Siddha Mahapurush. I have done 25 years of penance with him. I don’t need to go to Kailash, Manasarovar, or the Himalayas because all the worlds are already in front of me.”

Reasons Behind Mamta Kulkarni’s Resignation

Mamta Kulkarni’s resignation follows significant conflicts within Kinnar Akhara. Disputes between Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Kinnar Akhara’s founder, Rishi Ajay Das, led to questions about Kulkarni’s eligibility for the esteemed position. Several saints within the Akhara expressed their disapproval, arguing that attaining such a sacred status requires years of rigorous spiritual discipline.

Additionally, the Kinnar Akhara expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, due to ongoing tensions. Kulkarni defended her appointment, stating, “The honour I received was for my 25 years of spiritual practice, but some people have issues with my role as Mahamandaleshwar.”

Mamta Kulkarni to Continue as a Sadhvi

Despite stepping down as Mahamandaleshwar, Mamta Kulkarni affirmed her continued dedication to her spiritual path. In her video, she mentioned that she had embraced the life of a sadhvi since childhood and would persist in her spiritual pursuits.

Kulkarni was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24, 2025, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. However, from the beginning, her appointment faced resistance from religious leaders and saints who questioned her spiritual credentials.

Opposition and Criticism from Religious Leaders

Many saints opposed Mamta Kulkarni’s elevation to the position of Mahamandaleshwar, arguing that true sainthood requires years of dedication and discipline. In December 2024, yoga guru Baba Ramdev openly criticized Kulkarni’s appointment, remarking that sainthood cannot be achieved overnight.

Baba Ramdev was quoted by PTI, saying, “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 behavior with the Kumbh — this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh.”

Mamta Kulkarni’s resignation as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara marks the culmination of intense controversy within the religious community. While she maintains that her spiritual journey is legitimate, opposition from prominent saints and internal conflicts led to her stepping down. Despite this, Kulkarni remains committed to her path as a sadhvi, continuing her spiritual practices beyond the Akhara’s hierarchy.