Mamta Kulkarni Expelled From Kinnar Akhara Amid Controversy Over Mahamandleshwar Title

Mamta Kulkarni, a former 90s actress, has been in the spotlight since she embraced 'sanyas' by performing her 'pind daan' at the Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. Earlier this month, she was given the title of 'Mahamandleshwar' by the Kinnar Akhara, which stirred controversy among its members. Recently, both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Laxmi Narayan Tripathi were expelled from the Akhara. Ajay Das, the founder of the Akhara, made this decision and announced a new Acharya Mahamandleshwar.

After Mamta Kulkarni received the Mahamandleshwar title, there was significant opposition to her appointment. Transgender Himangi Sakhi Maa voiced concerns about Kulkarni's past and questioned her suitability for the role. She remarked, "Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhada for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh, and is given the position of Mahamandaleshwar. This needs investigation."

Acharya Laxmi Narayan Tripathi responded to the controversy by announcing a press conference on Friday afternoon to address these issues and make an important statement. She emphasized that all decisions within the Akhara would be transparent.

Tripathi further claimed that Ajay Das had been expelled from the Akhara due to his family ties, stating, "Das lives with family and children. They have no place in Kinnar Akhara now. Kinnar Akhara will hold a press conference today at 3 pm."

The Mahamandleshwar title is traditionally bestowed upon spiritual leaders who play significant roles in religious discussions. Tripathi explained to media outlets that she began her spiritual journey ('tapasya') in 2000 and chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as her 'pattaguru'. She stated, "I started my penance ('tapasya') in 2000. And I chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as my 'pattaguru' because today is Friday... it is the day of Maha Kaali (Goddess Kaali)... Yesterday, preparations were on to make me a mahamandaleshwar. But today Maa Shakti instructed me that I choose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi because that person is a 'saakshaat' (direct) form of Ardhnaareshwar. What else can be a bigger title than an Ardhnaareshwar doing my 'pattabhishek'."