Latest news with #Akhada
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Laxmi Narayan corrects Mamta Kulkarni's 'blessing' blunder during Akhada ritual in viral video
Mamta Kulkarni's spiritual journey took a dramatic turn with her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at Mahakumbh 2025, sparking controversy and backlash. Her subsequent expulsion and resignation added to the turmoil, fueled by concerns over her past and internal conflicts. However, she made a return, reaffirming her commitment to the Akhada and devotion to Sanatan Dharma. Once known for her bold roles in 90s Bollywood, Mamta Kulkarni has reinvented herself in the most unexpected way—by stepping into the spiritual spotlight. Her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at Mahakumbh 2025 sparked headlines, debates, and viral moments. From controversies and expulsion to an emotional return, Mamta's spiritual journey this year has been nothing short of dramatic—blending faith, fame, and fierce backlash in equal measure. Viral Moment In a now-viral video, members of the Kinnar Akhada are seen gathered for what appears to be a ceremonial procession. Laxmi Narayan stands under a beautifully decorated umbrella, orchestrating the event. She gestures for Mamta Kulkarni to join her, who then steps forward and takes her place under the canopy. Mamta is seen raising her hand in a blessing pose, as Laxmi brings other members to join the formation, marking a symbolic and visually striking moment. As soon as Laxmi Narayan noticed Mamta raising her hand in a blessing gesture, she promptly signaled her to lower it, asking her to stand straight instead. Mamta is seen dressed in a saffron kurta and palazzo, paired with a yellow scarf adorned with religious inscriptions—visibly blending into the spiritual setting of the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctors Beg: Take These 4 Ingredients Before Bed to Burn Fat The Healthy Way Learn More Undo Mahamandaleshwar row During the Mahakumbh 2025 festival, Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan. Taking on a new spiritual identity as Shree Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, the former actress stepped into a deeply religious role. However, the announcement sparked widespread controversy, with many questioning her elevation and triggering intense backlash against her. In an interview with ANI, Mamta Kulkarni shared that her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar during the historic 2025 Kumbh was, in her view, a divine decision. She believes it was the result of 25 years of dedicated spiritual practice, and that the timing of the event—held after 140 years—was no coincidence. Expulsion and Resignation However, on January 31, 2025, the situation took a dramatic turn when Rishi Ajay Das, founder of the Kinnar Akhada, expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from their positions and the Akhada itself. The move came amid growing backlash and concerns over Mamta's controversial past. It was also revealed that her appointment was allegedly made without the founder's approval. Just days later, Mamta announced her resignation from the post via social media, citing intense criticism and internal conflicts. A few days after announcing her resignation, Mamta Kulkarni made a return to the Kinnar Akhada, stating that her guru had not accepted her decision to step down. Expressing gratitude for being reinstated, she affirmed her commitment to the Akhada and pledged to devote her life to the service of Sanatan Dharma.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Amritsar's young pahalwans keep kushti alive in traditional mud akhadas
A wrestler was spotted doing push-ups as part of his warm-up routine before engaging in a traditional wrestling match at an 'Akhada' in Amritsar. (PTI) Photo Credit : PTI
India.com
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Mamta Kulkarni Resigns As Mahamandaleshwar Amid Akhada Power Struggle And Backlash Over Past
New Delhi: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar. However, later Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, has expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada. The decision comes in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Tripathi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder's consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage. Speaking to ANI, she said, "...It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened." According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, "As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities." The controversy revolves around an agreement Tripathi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities. Ajay Das explained that Mamta Kulkarni's appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history."By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics," he wrote. The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values. The expulsion of both individuals has ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni. Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, "I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?"He also reiterated that both Tripathi and Kulkarni would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan. The controversy over Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh. Mamta Kulkarni, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s. However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Tripathi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny. Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Kulkarni's appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities."Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation," Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI. Mamta Kulkarni later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes. Her resignation follows questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled the 'Karan Arjun' actress and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing tensions within the religious group. Kulkarni announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram. "Main Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, main iss post se istifa de rahi hoon. Aaj Kinnar Akhade ya dono akhade ke beech jo mujhe leke problems ho rahi hain. Main ek Sadhvi thi 25 saal se aur main Sadhvi hi rahungi," she said. "Bollywood ko maine 25 saal pehle chhoda. Main apne aap gayab rahi. Warna makeup se, Bollywood se itna door kaun rehta hai?" she added.
Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mamta Kulkarni opens up on controversy over her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
Former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. (Also Read | Mamta Kulkarni denies claims of paying ₹10 crore to become Mahamandaleshwar) In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar. However, later, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada. The decision came in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Lakshmi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder's consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage. Speaking to ANI, she said, "...It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened." According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, "As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities." The controversy revolves around an agreement Lakshmi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Lakshmi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities. The founder emphasised that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values. The expulsion of both individuals ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Lakshmi and Mamta. Ravindra Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, "I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?" He also reiterated that both Lakshmi and Mamta would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan. The controversy over Mamta's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Lakshmi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh. Mamta, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s. However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Lakshmi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny. Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Mamta's appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities. "Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation," Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI. Mamta later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes. Her resignation followed questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled Lakshmi and Mamta, citing tensions within the religious group. Mamta announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram.
India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"...It was all in God's hands": Mamta Kulkarni on controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar. However, later Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, has expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada. The decision comes in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Tripathi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder's consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage. Speaking to ANI, she said, '...It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened.' According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, 'As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.' The controversy revolves around an agreement Tripathi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities. Ajay Das explained that Mamta Kulkarni's appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history.'By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics,' he wrote. The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values. The expulsion of both individuals has ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni. Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, 'I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?'He also reiterated that both Tripathi and Kulkarni would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan. The controversy over Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh. Mamta Kulkarni, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s. However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Tripathi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny. Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Kulkarni's appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities.'Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation,' Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI. Mamta Kulkarni later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes. Her resignation follows questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled the 'Karan Arjun' actress and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing tensions within the religious group. Kulkarni announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram. 'Main Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, main iss post se istifa de rahi hoon. Aaj Kinnar Akhade ya dono akhade ke beech jo mujhe leke problems ho rahi hain. Main ek Sadhvi thi 25 saal se aur main Sadhvi hi rahungi,' she said. 'Bollywood ko maine 25 saal pehle chhoda. Main apne aap gayab rahi. Warna makeup se, Bollywood se itna door kaun rehta hai?' she added. (ANI)
