Former Bollywood actress-turned-Sadhvi Mamta Kulkarni has stepped down from her post as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara following controversy over her appointment.
Announcing her resignation through a viral video on social media, Kulkarni reaffirmed her identity as a Sadhvi, stating that she had been dedicated to spiritual life for 25 years and would continue on that path.
"There were objections to me being given the title of Mahamandaleshwar. I do not wish to be a part of any controversy and have, therefore, decided to resign. I have been a Sadhvi for 25 years and will remain so in the future," Kulkarni said.
Kulkarni acknowledged that tensions arose within the Akhara over her appointment, despite her long-standing renunciation of worldly life. "Leaving behind Bollywood was not easy, but I did it. However, I noticed that many people had issues with my elevation as Mahamandaleshwar. I hold my gurus in the highest regard and do not seek external validation," she added. She compared her spiritual journey to learning to swim over decades and then teaching others, only to face resistance. "People tend to react strongly to whatever I do, but I am beyond these judgments," she asserted.
Kulkarni's resignation follows an internal shake-up within the Kinnar Akhara. Just days ago, the Akhara's founder, Rishi Ajay Das, removed both Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from their respective positions. This move has deepened the divide within the Akhara, with differing opinions over leadership and authority.
Tripathi, in response, dismissed Ajay Das's decision, questioning his authority. "Who is Ajay Das to expel me? He himself was removed from the Akhara in 2017," she said, adding another layer of discord to the unfolding drama.
Ajay Das has now announced that the Akhara will undergo restructuring, and a new Acharya Mahamandaleshwar will soon be appointed. Kulkarni's installation as Mahamandaleshwar, which took place on January 24 amid Vedic rituals, had been initiated by Tripathi. However, it quickly became a point of contention among Akhara members, ultimately leading to her stepping down.
