The appointment of actress Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada has sparked a debate, with Himangi Sakhi, another Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, raising questions about the decision.
Citing Mamta's past controversies, Himangi questioned why a woman was given such a prestigious title in an akhada meant for the transgender community.
"If we start appointing people from all communities, why call it the Kinnar Akhada at all? Society is well aware of her past. She has even been jailed in drug-related cases.
By conferring the Mahamandaleshwar title on such a person, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma?" Himangi said, emphasising that the dignity of the position has been diminished. She also mentioned allegations of Mamta's connection with the D-Company. Anand Swaroop, the Shambhavi Peethadheeshwar, also criticised the decision, calling it against Sanatan traditions.
He stated that Shankaracharya's approval is mandatory before granting sanyas initiation, and hasty actions in this matter insult Sanatan Dharma.
However, Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, another Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, defended the decision. She pointed out that when Sana Khan returned to Islam, no religious leaders raised objections. "Now, when people from the Hindu community join the akhadas, it bothers them.
We will continue working to promote Sanatan Dharma," she asserted. Amid the controversy, Mamta Kulkarni, now known as Shriyamai Mamatanand Giri, said she had been practicing strict celibacy for the past 12 years and took sanyas initiation after prolonged penance.
"This is not a path I chose to gain the limelight. Upholding Sanatan traditions is not easy, and sanyas is not a fashion," she stated. Regarding allegations about her connection to the underworld, Mamta compared her ordeal to that of Sita's agnipariksha (trial by fire). "Some things cannot be explained in words," she said, sidestepping the question.
Mamta shared that her spiritual journey began after her grandmother dreamt of Goddess Yamai, who advised naming her after the deity. "Yamai means the mother of death.
After receiving the goddess's blessings, I entered Bollywood, but now I've returned to my roots," she explained. She also emphasized her faith in Ardhanarishwar, the union of Shiva and Shakti, which drew her to the Kinnar Akhada.
Mamta revealed that she had considered joining the Juna Akhada but refrained due to the condition of undergoing a mundan (head-shaving ritual). Addressing the need for a Sanatan Board, she expressed her support for the idea, calling it essential for preserving tradition.