Mamta Kulkarni expelled from Kinnar Akhara days after her coronation as Mahamandaleshwar at Maha Kumbh

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni was removed from the Kinnar Akhara on Friday, just days after her induction and appointment as Mahamandaleshwar. This decision followed mounting objections from members of the religious order. In a dramatic turn of events, Kinnar Akhara founder Ajay Das also dismissed Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the organization, holding Tripathi responsible for bringing Kulkarni into the fold.

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The controversy erupted within the Kinnar Akhara after Kulkarni’s appointment, with several members reportedly opposing her elevation to the high-ranking spiritual position. Disagreements between Ajay Das and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi intensified, with Das threatening to remove Tripathi from leadership. In response, Tripathi countered that Das lacked the authority to take such action.

Leadership Dispute Deepens

In an interview with News18, Tripathi emphasized that all major decisions within the Kinnar Akhara would be made with complete openness. Tripathi further stated that a press briefing would be held on Friday to clarify the situation and share a significant update regarding the controversy.

Tripathi also asserted that Ajay Das had already been ousted from the organization. “Das lives with his family and children. Such a lifestyle is incompatible with the principles of Kinnar Akhara, so he no longer has a place in the order. A formal announcement will be made at 3 PM today,” Tripathi declared.

The unfolding situation has raised speculation about potential restructuring within the Kinnar Akhara. Discussions are underway regarding a possible reassessment of the Mahamandaleshwar position, with reports suggesting that internal divisions within the group are growing.

Prominent Trans Woman Opposes Kulkarni Joining Kinnar Akhara

In an interview with TOI, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa has openly criticized Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. Expressing strong disapproval in an interview with ANI, she raised concerns over the former Bollywood actress's past controversies and questioned the legitimacy of the Akhada’s decision.

Himangi Sakhi questioned the fundamental purpose of the Kinnar Akhada, emphasizing that it was originally established for the transgender community. She argued that appointing a cisgender woman contradicted the Akhada’s core principles and suggested that, if such inclusions continued, the Akhada should consider renaming itself.

Highlighting her concerns, she stated, “The Kinnar Akhada was created for the transgender community, yet a woman has now been inducted. If you are granting positions to women, then change the name of the Akhada. Many film stars have come to the Maha Kumbh for a holy dip, and we never commented on them. But today, we must speak out.”

She further criticized Kulkarni’s alleged past affiliations and legal troubles, particularly her rumored connection to underworld figures and involvement in a drug-related case. “The entire world knows about Mamta Kulkarni’s history. Despite this, she was given ‘deeksha’ and elevated to Mahamandaleshwar without receiving proper spiritual guidance. What kind of Guru are you presenting to society?”

Sakhi also questioned Kulkarni's credibility due to her allegedly shady past. "Mamta Kulkarni's background should have been looked into. She has connections with D Company. She returned to India suddenly, her videos went viral. She arrived at Kumbh suddenly, her videos went viral. And then she is anointed as Mahamandaleshwar. What are the facts behind this? This should be investigated. I strongly condemn this...What else is this, if not a publicity stunt? In these times, an Akhada can do anything for publicity. I condemn this..."

Understanding The Kinnar Akhara

Founded in 2018 by members of the transgender community, the Kinnar Akhara operates under the Juna Akhara, one of the major Hindu religious institutions. An akhara is a monastic order within Hinduism, and the Kinnar Akhara serves as a spiritual congregation for transgender ascetics. The title of Mahamandaleshwar, typically granted to monks within the Dashanami order, translates to "leader of multiple monasteries" and signifies a highly esteemed status in Hindu tradition.

Who Is Mamta Kulkarni?

Mamta Kulkarni gained fame as a Bollywood actress in the 1990s, starring in notable films such as Karan Arjun (1995), Baazi (1995), and China Gate (1998). She was one of the leading actresses of her time, recognized for her on-screen performances and glamorous image. However, her career came to an abrupt halt in the early 2000s, and she withdrew from the film industry.

Last week, Kulkarni was formally inducted into the Kinnar Akhara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. She adopted the spiritual name Yamai Mamta Nandgiri and was conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar.

During a press interaction, Kulkarni spoke about her spiritual journey, revealing that she began her meditative practice in the year 2000. She explained her decision to choose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as her pattaguru (spiritual mentor), citing divine inspiration. “Yesterday, I was preparing to be anointed as Mahamandaleshwar. But today, Maa Shakti guided me to select Laxmi Narayan Tripathi because they embody the divine form of Ardhanarishvara (a representation of Lord Shiva as half-male, half-female). There is no greater honor than receiving my consecration from such a figure,” she stated.

Despite her initial acceptance into the religious order, the swift backlash led to her removal, marking yet another twist in this unfolding controversy.