Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been removed from the position of ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ of the Kinnar Akhada, a TOI report said on Friday. Additionally, the title of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar has also been taken away from Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. It was Lakshmi who had appointed Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar. The decision was made by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhada. Rishi Ajay Das stated that a new Acharya Mahamandaleshwar will be announced soon.
Controversy surrounding Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar
The controversy surrounding Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar last week sparked significant opposition within the Kinnar Akhada. Several members expressed dissatisfaction with her appointment, pointing to her previous career in the film industry.
This backlash led to internal discord, prompting the leadership to step in. Reports claim that Kulkarni’s appointment was made without proper consultation within the Akhada. Recently, she had participated in a ‘pind daan’ ritual at Sangham Ghat in Prayagraj, where she attributed her actions to the guidance of her Guru and divine will.
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi explained the rationale behind Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment, stating that the Kinnar Akhada had decided to make her a Mahamandaleshwar, giving her the name Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. She mentioned that Kulkarni had been in regular contact with both the Akhada and herself for over a year and a half. According to Laxmi Narayan, the Akhada does not prevent anyone from assuming the role of any spiritual figure or engaging in artistic expression, emphasising that such decisions are open to individuals who wish to embrace them.