Key Highlights:
- Mamta Kulkarni Removed: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been stripped of her Mahamandaleshwar title just seven days after being conferred the honor.
- Kinnar Akhara’s Decision: Rishi Ajaydas, founder of Kinnar Akhara, cited rule violations and controversies surrounding Mamta’s background as reasons for her dismissal.
- Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi Punished: Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, who granted Kulkarni the title, was also expelled from the Akhara.
- Rule Violations: Issues ranged from Mamta’s lack of Sanyas Diksha, her refusal to shave her head, and her controversial past in Bollywood and alleged underworld connections.
- Akhara Divided: Internal divisions within the Akhara over Mamta’s appointment have now culminated in strong disciplinary actions.
Prayagraj: Seven days after making headlines for becoming Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the Maha Kumbh Mela, former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been ousted from her position. The decision, announced by Akhara founder Rishi Ajaydas, came amid growing dissent and allegations that her appointment violated the traditions and rules of the Akhara.
Adding to the fallout, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, who facilitated Mamta’s appointment, has also been removed from the Akhara.
Why Was Mamta Kulkarni Removed? Key Reasons Behind the Decision
The controversy stems from several concerns raised by members of the Kinnar Akhara:
1. No Sanyas Diksha:
Traditionally, a person must first tread the path of renunciation (Sanyas) before ascending to the position of Mahamandaleshwar.
- According to Akhara rules, Mamta should have performed the head-shaving ceremony and worn the Vaijanti Mala, symbols of a sanyasi.
- Instead, Mamta wore a Rudraksha Mala, which is non-compliant with Akhara customs.
2. Bollywood Past Raises Concerns:
Mamta’s background as a Bollywood actress in the 1990s and her history of bold roles, including a topless photoshoot, caused discomfort among many Akhara members.
3. Alleged Underworld Links:
Kulkarni’s alleged connection with drug mafia Vicky Goswami, her reported marriage to him in Dubai, and accusations of involvement in drug trafficking and the underworld further polarized opinion within the Akhara.
- An arrest warrant was once issued against her, and allegations of treason have dogged her reputation.
4. Procedural Violations:
- Mamta’s appointment bypassed traditional practices, leading to criticism that her ascension as Mahamandaleshwar was rushed and unceremonious.
- Akhara members viewed her appointment as undermining the sanctity of the organization’s traditions.
5. Division within the Akhara:
A majority of the Akhara’s members felt Mamta’s controversial past and deviations from tradition would harm the Akhara’s reputation.
Kinnar Akhara Takes Strong Action: Two Leaders Expelled
The fallout extended to Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, who had conferred the Mahamandaleshwar title upon Mamta Kulkarni.
- Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi’s Role: Her decision to grant Mamta the title without proper adherence to Akhara procedures sparked significant backlash.
- Action Taken: Both Mamta and Lakshmi have now been removed from their posts, with the Akhara issuing a formal statement declaring their expulsion.
Statement from Kinnar Akhara
In an official statement, Kinnar Akhara explained:
“Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment was against the rules of Sanyas and the ethos of the Akhara. Her controversial background and inability to align with our traditions led to discomfort within the community. We had no choice but to take this decision in the interests of the Akhara’s principles.”
Background: Mamta Kulkarni’s Journey from Bollywood to Kinnar Akhara
Once a popular Bollywood actress in films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, Mamta Kulkarni disappeared from the limelight in the 2000s amid controversies.
- After allegedly marrying Vicky Goswami, a fugitive drug lord, Mamta’s name surfaced in criminal investigations.
- In recent years, Mamta sought spiritual refuge and joined the Kinnar Akhara, receiving the title of Mahamandaleshwar during the Maha Kumbh.
Her appointment, however, drew immediate criticism from within the Akhara, resulting in this dramatic fallout.
Divisions in the Akhara: What’s Next?
The decision to remove Mamta Kulkarni and Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi comes as the Akhara faces internal challenges over its identity and traditions.
- Akhara Leader Rishi Ajaydas has vowed to maintain discipline, stating:
“Our primary focus is on preserving the sanctity and authenticity of the Akhara’s values. No individual, regardless of their fame or connections, is above tradition.”
A Controversial End to a Short-Lived Role
Mamta Kulkarni’s removal as Mahamandaleshwar highlights the tension between modernity and tradition within religious institutions like the Kinnar Akhara. For Mamta, her journey from Bollywood stardom to spiritual pursuit has taken yet another dramatic turn.
As the Akhara seeks to restore unity, Mamta’s expulsion serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to centuries-old traditions, even in a rapidly changing world.
