On 24th January, former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni was anointed as a Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The announcement was made by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. For those who are unaware, the Kinnar Akhada is a spiritual sect established to bring dignity and inclusion to the transgender community. Tripathi, while speaking to the media, announced that Mamta will now be known as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. Mamta performed her “Pind Daan” ritual at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to mark her renunciation of worldly ties.
After the rituals, Mamta spoke to the media and expressed her spiritual transformation, saying, “This was the order of Mahadev and Maha Kali. My Guru chose this day; I only followed their command.”
#WATCH | Mamta Kulkarni says, "…This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything." https://t.co/YUEbamNrRV pic.twitter.com/vrXAF5gQgV
— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi said that Kulkarni has been in touch with Kinnar Akhada and him 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,” he said earlier.
A popular Bollywood actress from the 1990s, Mamta Kulkarni returned to Mumbai last month after a long absence. After that, she was seen in the Maha Kumbh in the attire of a Sadhvi.
The Kinnar Akhada has set up its camp in sector 16 (Sangam Lower East Marg) in the tent city for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
What does it mean to become a Mahamandaleshwar?
The word Mahamandaleshwar means “superior of great and/or numerous monasteries” or “superior of a religious district or province”. Religious leaders who ran the congregations of saints and sages were called Mandaleshwar. As Mahamandaleshwar, the saints spread the teaching of Sanatana Dharma, living life the righteous way.
The process of becoming a Mahamandaleshwar involves several rituals linked to ancient tradition. It begins with an application to the Akhada, followed by initiation into monastic life. Candidates undergo a series of spiritual rites, including a sacred bath and the ‘Pind Daan,’ symbolising the renunciation of familial and material bonds. The final steps include being crowned with a ceremonial ‘Pattabhishek’ using a mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar, followed by a feast for saints and devotees.
As part of their vows, Mahamandaleshwars commit to severing ties with their families, dedicating their wealth to public service, and establishing institutions like Sanskrit schools to promote spiritual knowledge. As a Mahamandaleshwar, the person must
Speaking about Mamta becoming a Mahamandaleshwar, Tripathi said that she was part of Juna Akhada before contacting the Kinnar Akhada. However, after her Guru passed away, Mamta was unable to find the right spiritual path for herself. Around three months ago, she contacted Tripathi and expressed her desire to join the Akhada and sought the post of Mahamandaleshwar so that she could be useful to society. Tripathi laid down the conditions of becoming a Mahamandaleshwar, which Mamta accepted and followed all the rituals to become one.
#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
The Kinnar Akhada – A path to inclusion
The Kinnar Akhada was founded in 2015 by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. The aim of establishing the Akhada was to integrate the transgender community into the societal mainstream. Unlike other Akhadas, it does not impose rigorous ascetic practices, making it accessible to anyone with faith in Sanatan Dharma and the Kinnar community. The Akhada’s mission is to provide dignity and respect to those often marginalised in society.
Support for spiritual renunciation
Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhada, welcomed Mamta Kulkarni’s decision to embrace monastic life. He said, “Renunciation is everyone’s right. If someone is ready to leave behind worldly attachments for higher purposes, they should be supported.”
A journey from stardom to spirituality
Mamta was born on 20th April 1972 in Mumbai. She started her career in the Tamil film industry and rose to fame in the 1990s with hit films including Aashiq Awara, Krantiveer, and Karan Arjun. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Actress in 1993. She acted in a total of 34 films and concluded her film career in 2002. Her last film was Kabhi Tum Kabhi Hum.
In 2013, Kulkarni released her book Autobiography of a Yogini, detailing her spiritual journey and decision to leave the film industry. She remarked, “Some people are born to serve the world, and some are born for God. I belong to the latter.”
Her life was also marred by controversies, including dating a gangster. There were speculations that she got married to drug lord Vicky Goswami, but she denied them, stating those were just rumours. She was named as one of the accused in a drugs case by Thane Police in 2016, but she was acquitted last year by the Bombay High Court.
