Dramatic comeback of Mamta Kulkarni: Returns Kinnar Akhada as Mahamandaleshwar!

Uttar Pradesh: In a dramatic twist, Mamta Kulkarni has returned as the Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, just days after stepping down. She explained that her resignation was an emotional reaction to allegations against her guru, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. Now reinstated, Kulkarni reaffirmed her commitment to Sanatan Dharma and her spiritual journey.

Why did Mamta Kulkarni resign?

On February 10, 2025, Kulkarni shocked the spiritual community by stepping down as Mahamandaleshwar. She cited a divine calling from her Goddess and denied allegations that she had paid money for the prestigious position. Critics, however, opposed her appointment, questioning her eligibility and spiritual credibility. She claimed that before her consecration, she was asked for money but had refused to pay.

Mamta Kulkarni will not resign from the post of MahaMandaleshwar, says Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar akhara https://t.co/eUv1j87kGv

— Hajarilal Verma (@Hajaril36193101) February 14, 2025

Ajay Das, founder of Kinnar Akhara, removed Mamta Kulkarni and Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the posts of Mahamandaleshwar and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara and both of them have also been expelled from the Akhara.
Now will Shriyamai Mamta Nand Giri be Mamta kulkarni? pic.twitter.com/BTXhajN6RL

— Charuhaas parab (@charuhaasparab) February 3, 2025

Guru rejects resignation!

In a video statement, Mamta Kulkarni explained that her guru refused to accept her resignation, prompting her return. She reaffirmed her dedication to Kinnar Akhada and Sanatan Dharma and stated that the sacred items she offered upon her consecration would remain with the Akhada. "I resigned in a moment of emotion, but my guru did not accept it. I now dedicate my life to Kinnar Akhada and Sanatan Dharma," she declared.

#ममता कुलकरणी किन्नर अखाड़ा मे वापस आई और महा मंडलेश्वर का पद भी किया स्वीकार, दो दिन पहले ममता कुलकर्णी ने कई लोगो के विरोध पर दिया था इस्तीफा, हालांकि किन्नर अखाड़ा की आचार्य महा मंडलेश्वर लक्ष्मी नारायण त्रिपाठी ने उनका इस्तीफा मंज़ूर नही किया था #Mamtakulkarni pic.twitter.com/JQZk1kybBx

— Global Bharat News (@Global__Bharat) February 13, 2025

Mamta Kulkarni's spiritual journey

•  Bollywood to spirituality: Kulkarni, 52, has been a sadhvi for 25 years after leaving the film industry.
•  Anointed as Mahamandaleshwar: She was consecrated on January 24, 2025, during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
•  New identity: Given the title Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, alongside five other Mahamandaleshwars.

Calls for Tripathi's removal

The controversy surrounding Kulkarni’s appointment intensified when Ajay Das, in a press conference, called for Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi's removal from the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar post.

1.  Allegations Against Tripathi: Das accused Tripathi of disregarding Sanatan Dharma by appointing Kulkarni, who has faced past legal issues, without following Akhara traditions.
2. Spiritual Dispute Escalates: The Kinnar Akhada remains divided, with some supporting Tripathi and others demanding a change in leadership.

With Mamta Kulkarni reinstated, the battle within the Kinnar Akhada continues. As tensions rise, all eyes are on how the leadership dispute unfolds in the coming days.