Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada Laxmi Narayan confirmed to ANI that the induction rituals are currently underway.
Mamta Kulkarni is a popular Bollywood actress from the 1990s.
Former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni has assumed the title of Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the ongoing Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada Laxmi Narayan confirmed to ANI that the induction rituals are currently underway, and Kulkarni has been given the spiritual name Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.
“Kinnar Akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni (former Bollywood actress) a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I am talking here, all the rituals are underway,” said Laxmi Narayan.
According to the Acharya, Mamta Kulkarni has been associated with the order for the past one and a half years. “She has been in touch with Kinnar Akhada and me for the last one and a half years… She is allowed to perform the character of any devotional figure if she wants as we do not prohibit anyone from performing their art…” she added.
#WATCH | Prayagraj | Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan says, “Kinnar akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni (former Bollywood actress) a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I am talking here, all the rituals are underway. She… pic.twitter.com/gF25BlKcEh— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
Kulkarni was also seen performing the traditional ‘Pind Daan’ at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj. Photos circulating online show her in saffron attire and rudraksh mala, accompanied by spiritual leaders Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Swami Jai Ambanand Giri.
“…This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn’t do anything,” Mamta Kulkarni told reporters.
The Kinnar Akhada, a monastic order of transgender sadhus, is affiliated with the ancient Juna Akhada and has set up camp in sector 16 (Sangam Lower East Marg) of the Mahakumbh tent city.
What is a Mahamandaleshwar?
The title of Mahamandaleshwar is granted to Hindu monks of the Dashanami order. It translates to ‘chief of great or numerous monasteries.’ As Mahamandaleshwar, the role involves spreading the teachings of Sanatana Dharma and promoting righteousness and social contributions.
Who is Mamta Kulkarni?
Mamta Kulkarni, a popular Bollywood actress from the 1990s, made a return to Mumbai last month after years of absence. She gained fame through films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, starring alongside top actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan.
Last year, the Bombay High Court quashed criminal proceedings against Kulkarni in a ₹2,000 crore drugs case, citing a lack of evidence.
