Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been anointed as Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the ongoing Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. The announcement was made by Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, who confirmed that the induction rituals were being performed. Kulkarni has been given the spiritual name Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.
“Kinnar Akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I speak, all the rituals are underway,” said Laxmi Narayan.
According to the Acharya, Kulkarni has been associated with the Kinnar Akhada 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. She is allowed to perform the character of any devotional figure if she wants, as we do not prohibit anyone from performing their art,” she added.
Mamta Kulkarni was also seen performing the traditional Pind Daan ceremony at the Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj. Photos of the event, which have circulated online, show her clad in saffron robes and wearing a rudraksh mala, accompanied by prominent spiritual leaders Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Swami Jai Ambanand Giri.
Speaking to reporters, Kulkarni said, “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 Akhada, a monastic order of transgender sadhus affiliated with the ancient Juna Akhada, has set up its camp in Sector 16 of the Mahakumbh tent city. The Mahamandleshwar title, traditionally reserved for Hindu monks of the Dashanami order, denotes a high-ranking position involving the spread of Sanatana Dharma, promoting righteousness, and contributing to society.
Mamta Kulkarni, who rose to fame in the 1990s through films such as Karan Arjun and Baazi, recently returned to Mumbai after years of absence. Last year, the Bombay High Court quashed criminal proceedings against her in a Rs 2,000 crore drugs case due to lack of evidence.
Her induction into the Kinnar Akhada marks a new chapter in her life, as she embraces her spiritual journey and a leadership role within the order.
