Bollywood actress-turned-sanyasini Mamta Kulkarni has encountered a significant setback as she has been expelled from the Kinnar Akhara. According to reports from ANI, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhara, has made the decision to remove both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from the religious institution.
Controversy Over Inclusion in Kinnar Akhara
The primary reason behind this expulsion revolves around the claim that Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi inducted Mamta Kulkarni into the Akhara and bestowed upon her the prestigious title of Mahamandaleshwar without proper procedure. Allegedly, this decision was taken without the knowledge or approval of other members of the Akhara.
However, in response to the expulsion, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi has questioned the legitimacy of Rishi Ajay Das’s authority. According to Tripathi, Ajay Das himself had been previously removed from the Akhara, raising doubts about his ability to make such decisions.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Spiritual Journey
Mamta Kulkarni, once a celebrated Bollywood actress, renounced worldly life and embraced spirituality. She performed her Pinddaan at the Maha Kumbh and took initiation into sanyas. The Kinnar Akhara consecrated her and conferred upon her the title of Mahamandaleshwar, renaming her as Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.
Kulkarni had also shared her spiritual journey in a video, revealing her plan to visit Sangam, Kashi, and Ayodhya after embracing the path of renunciation. She claimed that her transformation was not sudden but a continuation of a spiritual initiation she received 23 years ago from her guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagan Giri, at Kupoli Ashram.
Allegations and Disputes in Kinnar Akhara
#WATCH | Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar Akhara says, "…When we started in 2015, Rishi Ajay Das was indeed with us. But the ashram that was donated to Kinnar Akhara, Rishi Ajay Das sold it and used the money for luxury. He was in Mumbai for a few days… pic.twitter.com/rW8TB9jhhI
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2025
Rishi Ajay Das, in an official letter, asserted his authority as the founder of Kinnar Akhara and accused Laxminarayan Tripathi of straying from the responsibilities of his position. He highlighted that Tripathi had entered into an agreement with Juna Akhara in 2019 without his consent, which he termed as both unethical and illegal.
Furthermore, Ajay Das criticized the inclusion of Mamta Kulkarni, citing her alleged involvement in treason cases and her past association with the glamour industry. He argued that such an inclusion, without adhering to religious traditions, undermines the authenticity and principles of the Akhara.
Additionally, he raised concerns regarding symbolic practices within the Akhara, such as the transition from Vaijanti Mala to Rudraksha Mala. According to him, this shift contradicts the foundational principles of Kinnar Akhara and misleads followers of Sanatan Dharma.
A Deepening Rift in Religious Circles
This expulsion has highlighted internal conflicts within the Kinnar Akhara and broader disagreements regarding religious authority and tradition. The dispute also brings into question the evolving role of religious institutions in contemporary society and the challenges they face in maintaining traditional values.
With both sides standing firm on their claims, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Will Mamta Kulkarni continue her spiritual path independently, or will she seek support from other religious groups? Additionally, the legitimacy of Rishi Ajay Das’s authority over the Akhara is now under scrutiny, further complicating the issue.
Conclusion
Mamta Kulkarni’s expulsion from Kinnar Akhara marks another chapter in her unconventional life journey—from Bollywood stardom to spiritual pursuit. The controversy surrounding her initiation and subsequent removal reflects deeper struggles within religious organizations regarding leadership, authenticity, and adherence to tradition. As the debate continues, the fate of both Mamta Kulkarni and the Kinnar Akhara remains uncertain, leaving many to watch closely for the next developments in this unfolding saga.
