‘An insult to Sanatan Dharma, for women …’ Controversy over Mamta becoming Mahamandaleshwar, ex-actress on target of saints

Last updated:January 28, 2025, 10:23 IST

Mamta Kulkarni Mahamandleshwar Row: Mamta Kulkarni has taken the title of Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara associated with Juna Akhara in Mahakumbh 2025. Many saints when the actress caught in the drug case in 2000 became Mahamandaleshwar …Read more

Mamta Kulkarni has been criticized for becoming Mahamandaleshwar.

Mumbai. Mamta Kulkarni has recently become Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara. In Mahakumbh, Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, president of Kinnar Akhara, initiated Mamta and gave her new name Shriymai Mamta Nandagiri. Controversy also arose over Mamta’s becoming Mahamandaleshwar. Many saints have objected to Mamata’s becoming Mahamandaleshwar and are criticizing it. However, Lakshmi Narayan has defended Mamta. Many saints have raised questions that Mamta has been a controversial history, then why was she given such a big title?

The saints have described Mamta Kulkarni as a commission for this degree. On making Mamta a Mahamandaleshwar, Shri Swavami Anand Swaroop Maharaj, the head of Shambhavi Peeth, has described it as a betrayal of Sanatan Dharma. He advised Mamta not to get caught in that trap. Mamta described it as a trap in a statement.

Anand Swaroop Maharaj warned that there is no sacrifice path for women and Mamta’s work can harm Mahamandaleshwar’s reputation. Apart from these, Mahamandaleshwar Balanand Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Anand Akhara and Balanand ji, who held the office of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, have also objected to Mamta’s Mahamandaleshwar.

Mahamandaleshwar Balanand Ji Maharaj said that the title of Mahamandaleshwar is given after a lot of investigation of a person’s character, lifestyle and background. Mahamandaleshwar Ramakrishnanand Giri of Panch Dashanam Agni Akhara also expressed similar views. He believes that before coming to this post, the moral character of the person should be good, he should have knowledge and he should lead the society.

However, many saints have supported Mamta Kulkarni, including Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, who gave initiation and degree to Mamta. Council President Ravindra Puri said that renunciation can come in any stage of life and Mamta’s past should not be allowed to dominate her ability for spiritual development.