Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has resigned from her post of Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, following complaints and disputes over the past few months. The move was done when there were increasing concerns over her spiritual practices amidst her alleged affiliation with the world of films.
Mamta Kulkarni Resigned on Video
The Kinnar Akhara also evicted Kulkarni and her guru, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, on charges of internal conflicts.
Kulkarni, in a video statement, confirmed her resignation and spoke to the controversy that has surrounded her appointment.
“I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am stepping down from this position,” she declared.
Kulkarni was given the Mahamandaleshwar title on January 24 and defended her spiritual journey, stating, “The honor I received was for my 25 years of spiritual practice, but some people have issues with my role as Mahamandaleshwar.”
She emphasized her long-standing spiritual commitment to her Guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj. “My Guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, was a Siddha Mahapurush. I have done 25 years of penance with him. I don’t need to go to Kailash, Manasarovar, or the Himalayas because all the worlds are already in front of me.”
Kulkarni also addressed financial allegations, clarifying that she did not pay for her appointment. “When I was asked for two lakhs, I did not have the amount. Jai Ambagiri Mahamandaleshwar provided the money from his pocket,” she said.
On January 24, Kulkarni, 52, was officially anointed as Mahamandaleshwar in the presence of Juna Akhada’s Mahamandaleshwar Swami Mahendranand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and other Kinnar Mahamandaleshwar. Five others also received the title on the same occasion.
The Kinnar Akhara later rescinded the appointment, however. At a press conference, senior Akhara figure Ajay Das declared, “Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is being removed from the position of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara. She disregarded the principles of Sanatan Dharma and national interest by appointing Mamta Kulkarni, who has been accused in a case of sedition, as a Mahamandaleshwar without following the Akhara’s traditions.”