Saints raise concerns over Mamta Kulkarni's elevation to Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara, call it a threat to Sanatan Dharma

Saints raise concerns over Mamta Kulkarni's position as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara, while some are in favor of this decision

Former actress Mamta Kulkarni has been appointed as the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, a significant spiritual role she assumed at the ongoing Mahakumbh on Friday.

The initiation ceremony was conducted by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the president of Kinnar Akhara, who bestowed upon Kulkarni the new spiritual name Shriyamai Mamta Nand Giri.

This marks a new chapter in Kulkarni's life as she transitions from her Bollywood career to embrace a spiritual path. The ceremony has drawn considerable attention, highlighting her deepening connection with the Kinnar Akhara and its rich traditions.

There are differing opinions among the saints regarding Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara.

Some saints argue that such a title should not be bestowed upon just anyone, as they believe a person's character and conduct should be the primary criteria for such a significant role.

Some also believe that it is a grave error to recognise someone with a controversial background like Mamta’s.

On the other hand, there are saints who defend the decision, pointing out that the accusations leveled against Mamta Kulkarni have never been proven in a court of law. They argue that everyone has the right to pursue spiritual retirement and embrace a new path, regardless of their past.

They also reminded critics that even a former prostitute was once given the revered title of guru, suggesting that anyone can be made Mahamandaleshwar based on their merit and spiritual calling, not their past.

This debate highlights the ongoing discussion about the criteria for spiritual leadership and the acceptance of individuals with diverse backgrounds in such roles.

Shri Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj, the head of Shambhavi Peeth, expressed strong disapproval regarding Mamta Kulkarni’s elevation to the position of Mahamandaleshwar in the Kinnar Akhara. He said, 'By recognising the Kinnar Akhara, there was a great sin in the last Kumbh, the kind of indiscipline that is taking place is very fatal. This is a betrayal of Sanatan Dharma.'

He continued, 'I told Mamta Kulkarni – don't fall into the trap of these people. There is no renunciation for a woman. There are many traditions in which you can remain detached. Don't fall in such a place that people spit on you.'

'People are taking the Kinnar Akhara as a joke.' He added.

Mahamandaleshwar Balaknanda Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Anand Akhara stated, 'I am in the post of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Tapo Nidhi Panchayat Anand Akhara, so I will not comment on this. This is the tradition of the arena. The Mahamandaleshwar post belongs to the Akhara. The arenas are all free. You cannot lift someone like that in order to make her a mahamandaleshwar.'

He added, 'We have 7 Shaiva akharas. The tradition is such that if we make someone a Mahamandaleshwar, then there is a whole investigation about the person first. All her information is taken. Do you see how that person is? What is her character? What is his way of life, what has been his daily routine.'

Balaknanda Ji went on to say, 'What family does she come from? What a behavior she has. How many days has it been since she retired? All these things are seen. If she has not taken renunciation, she cannot be made into a mahamandaleshwar.'

Mahamandaleshwar Ramakrishnanand Giri, Acharya of Panch Dasnam Agni Akhara, mentioned, 'We believe that the post of Mahamandaleshwar in the Akhara is only after Acharya. It is an honorary position. The panches and office bearers of the arena should check once whether the person who is sitting in this post has this eligibility or not.'

'At least she should have good ethics, good character of the person, good knowledge that he can give a good direction to the society. Before that, you should have a good background. He should have such a character, on which society cannot point a finger.' He added.

'Whoever is occupying the throne should first see whether she has this ability or not. Those who sit should also pay attention to this, so that the dignity of that post remains and people's faith in Sanatan Dharma remains. It is not possible if you want to guide the people of the country by moving around in big vehicles. All of this requires character.'

Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand Giri of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara said, 'I welcome Mamta Kulkarni very much. She's a good kid. It's a very nice family. She had lost her way. She had gone into the quagmire of crime.'

When asked about the process of becoming a Mahamandaleshwar, Yati replied, 'I would request that those who are making Mamta Kulkarni Mahamandaleshwar, they should have some patience. She lived as a monk for a few days and her life should be monitored. I am not doubting that.'

'Some criteria should be strict for Mahamandaleshwar. My own view is that it is not right to make Mamta Kulkarni a Mahamandaleshwar altogether. I welcome becoming a monk. But to become a Mahamandaleshwar, he must meet the standards.' He added.

Yati went on to say, 'Right now he has not done anything for Sanatan Dharma. However, the standards are set by the arenas. I was a monk for 20 years before I became Mahamandaleshwar. But right now, Mamata should do a little service before becoming Mahamandaleshwar, her path should be difficult.'

President of the Parishad, Ravindra Puri stated,' Many blessings and thanks. Renunciation can come at any time. No one can say on whom disinterest comes. In our tradition, there were many great sages and robbers who became great saints. If Mamata ji has got entry in the spiritual world, then it is a very good thing.'

He added, 'Mandleshwar means the God of the Mandala. They have to take a circle with them. She must be accompanied by hundreds of saints. They should propagate religion. I would like that if Mamata Ji follows the true meaning of Mahamandaleshwar in the true sense, then our spiritual tradition will reach a higher peak in the entire country.'

On the question of Mamta Kulkarni being surrounded in the past on drug charges, Ravindra Puri said, 'there is no need to know what she was before. Whatever allegations were levelled against her in the past, they could not be proved. Nowadays, it is very easy to make accusations. It has become a trend.'

He added, 'All the big personalities in the country keep getting accusations against them. I would like that to be a very good initiative. Don't become a mahamandaleshwar just to earn a name. We made good people Mahamandaleshwars many times, they started wearing pants after 2 years, but Mamata ji should not do this. This is a very good initiative, follow our eternal tradition.'

Juna Akhara's international spokesperson Narayan Giri Ji Maharaj stated, 'The Kinnar Akhara was registered in 2019. It is a branch of Juna Akhara. They were inducted into the akhara by Shri Mahant Ji Maharaj to add them to a Hindu tradition. When an Akhara is fully built, they have the power to make someone a Mahant, Sadhvi or Mahamandaleshwar. They are free to take any decision. In this, any man, woman or transgender can get any title. Every arena has its own criteria.'

He continued, 'Any scholar of the country, who works in the interest of the nation, who works in spirituality or does social work, is honored with the title of Sanyasi Akhara Mahamandaleshwar. Being a film actress is not a fault. A prostitute was also made a guru here, so anyone can be made a Mahamandaleshwar by merit here.'

On being asked the process of becoming a Mahamandaleshware, Giri ji stated, 'First of all, in the Akhara, the great man, avadhuta, mahant, Shri Mahant is made. Then the Akhara sees how much contribution that person has made, how much work has been done to propagate religion in the nation. On that basis, further decision is taken. There is no tradition of Juna Akhara when a person comes and announces that he will become a sannyasi and we directly make him a mahamandaleshwar.'

Did Mamta Kulkarni become a transgender?

It is not necessary to be a transgender to join the Kinnar Akhara. A person who believes in Sanatan and Kinnars can join this Akhara. There is no such difficult sadhana-penance in this arena as in the other 13 akharas.

Also See: Mamta Kulkarni’s spiritual transformation at Mahakumbh 2025: New role as Mahamandleshwar

MAMTA KULKARNI BOLLYWOOD CAREER

Mamta, who starred alongside prominent actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, and Anil Kapoor, found herself at the center of controversy in 1993 when she did a topless photoshoot for Stardust magazine. Around the same time, director Rajkumar Santoshi cast her as the lead actress in the film China Gate.

Following the initial conflict, director Rajkumar Santoshi reportedly considered removing Mamta Kulkarni from the film. However, after mounting pressure from the underworld, she was retained in the project. Despite her continued involvement, the film ended up being a flop. Later, Mamta accused Santoshi of sexual harassment, adding to the controversy surrounding her career.

MAMTA KULKARNI ON MARRYING DUBAI BASED DRUG LORD

Mamta Kulkarni was rumored to have married Dubai-based underworld drug lord Vicky Goswami, but she consistently denied these allegations. In her statements, Mamta clarified, "I have never married anyone. While it’s true that I love Vicky, he also knows that my first love now is God."

MAMTA KULKARNI AUTOBIOGRAPHY

In 2013, Mamta Kulkarni released her book Autobiography of an Yogini. In the book, she explained her decision to leave the film industry, stating, "Some people are born for the works of the world, while some are born for God. I, too, was born for God."'

MAMTA KULKARNI EARLY LIFE

Mamta Kulkarni was born on April 20, 1972, in Mumbai. She began her career in 1991 with the Tamil film Nanbargal and made her Hindi film debut with Mera Dil Tere Liye in the same year.

According to IMDb, Mamta appeared in a total of 34 films throughout her career. In 1993, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Actress for her performance in Aashiq Awara.

Following her debut, Mamta Kulkarni appeared in several notable films such as Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, and Baazi. Her final film, Kabhi Tum Kabhi Hum, was released in 2002, marking the end of her acting career in Bollywood.