Former Bollywood star Mamta Kulkarni has embraced a new spiritual journey, taking on the title of Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the ongoing Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. The announcement was made by Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who confirmed that Kulkarni, now spiritually named Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, underwent induction rituals to assume the prestigious title.
Laxmi Narayan shared that Kulkarni has been associated with the Kinnar Akhara 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,” said the Acharya, adding that the order encourages artistic expression in devotion, allowing its members to embody devotional figures freely.
Photos from the event show Mamta Kulkarni dressed in saffron robes, wearing rudraksh malas, and performing the sacred Pind Daan at Sangam Ghat. The ceremony was attended by spiritual leaders including Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Swami Jai Ambanand Giri. Speaking to reporters, Kulkarni credited her transformation to divine guidance, saying, “This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn’t do anything.”
The Kinnar Akhara, a monastic order of transgender sadhus, is affiliated with the ancient Juna Akhada and emphasizes inclusion and spiritual growth. The title of Mahamandleshwar, meaning “chief of great monasteries,” carries responsibilities such as spreading the teachings of Sanatana Dharma, promoting righteousness, and contributing to social welfare.
Kulkarni, a 1990s Bollywood sensation known for films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, recently returned to Mumbai after years of absence. Her induction into spiritual life follows the Bombay High Court quashing charges against her in a high-profile Rs 2,000 crore drug case last year, citing insufficient evidence.
Her new role marks a significant transformation from her glamorous film career to a path of spirituality and service.
Mamta Kulkarni बनीं संन्यासी, महाकुंभ में ली दीक्षा, Acharya Laxmi Narayan ने दी जानकारी pic.twitter.com/N0tKQGJUlB
— अधिवक्ता Sanjeev Yadav (@Sanjeevkyadav2) January 24, 2025
#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
