Spiritual Journey and Alleged Financial Disputes: Mamta Kulkarni Opens Up
Mamta Kulkarni Resigns from Mahamandaleshwar Position Amid Controversy in Kinnar Akhada
Prayagraj: Mamta Kulkarni has resigned from the position of Mahamandaleshwar amid an ongoing controversy within the Kinnar Akhada. She announced her resignation through a video posted on Instagram.
In the video, Mamta stated, “There is controversy surrounding me in the Kinnar Akhada today. Because of this, I am resigning. I have been a sadhvi for 25 years and will continue to remain one in the future.”
Accusations of Paying ₹10 Crore for the Title
Mamta Kulkarni, who transitioned from being a Bollywood actress to a spiritual leader, was accused of paying ₹10 crore to obtain the title of Mahamandaleshwar. On January 24, she was granted the title at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. The Acharya of the Kinnar Akhada, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, performed pinddaan and pattabhishek for her. Mamta was also given a new name, Shriyamai Mamta Nandgiri.
However, she stayed at the Kumbh Mela for about seven days before the controversy began to unfold.
“Trapped Between Two Akhadas,” Mamta Says
Mamta Kulkarni further explained in her video, “I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am resigning from my position. Today, there are issues regarding me in the Kinnar Akhada. I have been a sadhvi for 25 years, and I will always remain one. I was honored with the title of Mahamandaleshwar, but for some people, it became problematic. Whether they are Shankaracharyas or anyone else, I had left Bollywood 25 years ago.”
She added, “Who stays so far away from makeup and Bollywood? But I have spent 25 years in penance. I remained anonymous, and people questioned me about my actions. But Narayan, everyone is rich, and everyone wears jewelry, but they are also great yogis and gods.”
“My Guru is Unmatched,” Mamta Says
In response to comments from other spiritual leaders, Mamta defended her spiritual journey. “One Shankaracharya said that I was trapped between two Akhadas, but my Guru is Swami Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, under whom I have meditated for 25 years. No one is my equal. My Guru is very elevated,” Mamta stated.
Mahamandaleshwar Jai Ambagiri Donated ₹2 Lakh
Mamta also shared an incident in which Mahamandaleshwar Jai Ambagiri donated ₹2 lakh on her behalf. “I was asked for ₹2 lakh, but I told the Mahamandaleshwar and Jagadgurus in the room that I did not have the money. Mahamandaleshwar Jai Ambagiri then took ₹2 lakh from his pocket and gave it to Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. I did not accept any other money,” she said.
Controversy from Kinnar Leaders
Following Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar, Kinnar Jagadguru Himangi Sakhi and Rishi Ajay Das, who claims to be the founder of the Kinnar Akhada, raised objections. Ajay Das stated, “I have removed Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and Mamta Kulkarni from the position of Mahamandaleshwar. The process was not followed in making Mamta Mahamandaleshwar, and she faces charges of treason. How could she be made Mahamandaleshwar?”
He also emphasized, “This is not some Big Boss show. I had made Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar for the upliftment of the Kinnar community, but he has gone astray. I had to take steps in this situation.”
