Mamta Kulkarni BREAKS Silence On Her Controversial Mahamandaleshwar Title: '25 Years Of Tapasya'

Former Bollywood actress, Mamta Kulkarni, finally broke her silence on the controversy that surfaced earlier this year, after she took up sainthood during the Maha Kumbh. After returning to India after a 25-year absence in December 2024, the former actress reached Prayagraj in January 2025 to start anew and embark on a spiritual journey as a Mahamandaleshwar of the prestigious Kinnar Akhada. However, things took a turn when the Akhada’s founder accused the former actress of ‘treason’, and many others opposed the idea of her becoming a saint overnight. 

Mamta Kulkarni breaks her silence on becoming Mahamandaleshwar

After creating a stir with her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, Mamta Kulkarni recently stepped down from her role, stating that she would continue with her spiritual journey as a sadhvi, or a female spiritual seeker. Now, months after the dispute, Mamta has talked about the controversy surrounding her becoming Mahamandaleshwar. Speaking to ANI, Kulkarni explained:

“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.”

Image: ANI

Mamta Kulkarni’s journey: from drug connections to becoming Mahamandleshwar

Mamta Kulkarni was last seen on the silver screen in the 2002 film, Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum, before retiring from acting. Once a popular face of Indian cinema, she left the country after getting involved in a Rs. 2000 crore drug trafficking, along with rumours of her being married to drug lord, Vicky Goswami. After having her name cleared from the case, the former actress returned to India in late 2024, after 25 years of exile in a foreign land.

During the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj this year, Mamta surprised everyone by taking on a spiritual route as a sadhvi. Laxmi Narayan, the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, announced in January 2025 that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on her spiritual journey as a Mahamandaleshwar. After becoming the Mahamandaleshwar, Mamta spoke about her spiritual journey and being the chosen one. Speaking to different media platforms after her coronation ceremony, the actress stated:

“Mujhe poocha gaya, lekin aaj mujhe maha shakti ne aadesh diya ki mujhe ye chunna hai. Aaj mujhe 23 saal hog aye dhyaan aur tapp karte hue. Meri kaafi pareeksha li gayi, har prakaar ke prashan se mai pass ho gayi, tab jaake mujhe Mahamandaleshwar upaadhi prapt hui.”

Mamta Kulkarni changed her name after taking sanyaas 

After becoming Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, Mamta adopted a new name, 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri’. For the uninitiated, Mahamandaleshwar is a special title reserved for Hindu monks of the Dashanami order, and the leaders are responsible for spreading the Sanatan Dharma.

However, not everyone was happy with Mamta becoming a part of the prestigious Akhada. Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhada, accused Mamta Kulkarni of treason. In a formal statement released to the press on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted:

“As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.”

Spiritual personality, Baba Ram Dev, also strongly refuted the idea of Mamta Kulkarni being given sainthood within a day. He questioned the process of being given the title of Mahamandaleshwar, claiming that people nowadays are being “randomly given the title of Mahamandaleshwar.”

What is your take on Mamta Kulkarni's Mahamandaleshwar controversy? Let us know!

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