Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has returned to the Kinnar Akhada as Mahamandaleshwar, just days after announcing her resignation. In a video statement released on Friday, she confirmed her reinstatement, stating that Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi had refused to accept her resignation.
Explaining her change of heart, Kulkarni said she had initially stepped down in an emotional moment but later decided to continue serving Sanatan Dharma under her guru’s guidance.
“Two days ago, some people made false allegations against my guru, Dr Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. In response, I resigned in a moment of emotion. However, my guru did not accept my resignation. The offerings I presented upon becoming a Mahamandaleshwar, including the royal umbrella, staff, and other sacred items, will remain dedicated to the Akhada. I am grateful to my guru for reinstating me. Moving forward, I dedicate my life to Kinnar Akhada and Sanatan Dharma,” Mamta said in the video.
On February 10, Kulkarni had stepped down as Mahamandaleshwar, citing opposition to her appointment and emphasising the spiritual path she had embraced since leaving Bollywood. She stated that it was her Goddess’s command that led her to resign.
In a video message, she declared, “I am resigning from my post of Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. I have been a ‘sadhvi’ for the last 25 years, and I will remain one (sic).”
Addressing allegations that she had paid for the position, Kulkarni dismissed the claims, revealing that she had been asked for money before the ceremony but told them she did not have any.
Kulkarni, 52, was officially anointed as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24 in the presence of Juna Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Swami Mahendranand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and other Kinnar Mahamandaleshwars. She was given the new name Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, alongside five others who were also conferred the Mahamandaleshwar title.
Meanwhile, Ajay Das announced at a press conference, “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.”