Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who recently renounced worldly life and was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the Maha Kumbh, has resigned from her post. In a video message, she cited opposition to her appointment and alleged that she was asked to pay ₹2 lakh for the position.
Kulkarni Announces Resignation
Speaking to PTI, Kinnar Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri confirmed Kulkarni’s resignation. In her video statement, Kulkarni, now known as Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, said, “I resign from my post. There was a problem between the Kinnar Akhara and other saints regarding my appointment as Mahamandaleshwar.”
She also claimed that her spiritual journey spanned 25 years under the guidance of Chaitanya Gagan Giri Maharaj, and despite this, her appointment faced objections.
Allegations of Monetary Demand
Kulkarni alleged that a sum of ₹2 lakh was demanded from her in the presence of several religious leaders. “I respect Acharya Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar Akhara very much. However, ₹2 lakh was demanded from me in front of three-four Mahamandaleshwars and three-four Jagadgurus,” she claimed.
“When I said that I did not have ₹2 lakh, Mahamandaleshwar Jai Amba Giri, who was present, took out ₹2 lakh from his pocket and gave it to Laxmi Narayan Tripathi ji,” she added.
Religious Leaders Objected to Her Appointment
Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar faced strong opposition from Kinnar Kathavachak Himangi Sakhi and Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand.
Feeling disheartened, Kulkarni stated, “The Chandi Devi whom I worshipped is probably giving me a signal that I should get out of all these things.”
Kulkarni’s Journey to Ascetic Life
The 52-year-old former actress took sanyas under the Kinnar Akhara last month at the Maha Kumbh. As part of the renunciation ceremony, she performed her own Pind Daan—a Hindu ritual usually performed for deceased ancestors—symbolizing the end of her previous life.
Following this, she was elevated to the rank of Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, an order established by the transgender community under the Juna Akhara.
Sources By Agencies
