Mamta Kulkarni Breaks Silence on Mahamandaleshwar Controversy: ’25 Years of My Tapasya’
Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Kulkarni described the honor as the culmination of her 25 years of spiritual practice.
In an interview with ANI, Kulkarni stated, “It was all in God’s hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my ‘tapasya’. So, that happened.”
Kulkarni, who left the film industry in the early 2000s, adopted the spiritual name “Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri” and was consecrated as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24, 2025. However, her appointment sparked controversy, leading Rishi Ajay Das, founder of the Kinnar Akhada, to expel both Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada.
Das criticized the appointment, citing Kulkarni’s alleged past involvement in criminal activities. He stated, “By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics.
Despite the backlash, Kulkarni remains committed to her spiritual path, emphasizing that her journey is guided by divine will. She continues to identify as a sadhvi and maintains her dedication to spiritual practices.
Kulkarni’s transformation from a Bollywood star to a spiritual figure highlights the complexities of personal reinvention and the challenges faced when past controversies intersect with religious
