Latest news with #MahaKumbhMela
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Mamta Kulkarni upset over controversy surrounding her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada? Actress REACTS
Karan Arjun actress Mamta Kulkarni is one of the well-known actresses of the 90s. She recently made headlines after she returned to India after a 25-year-absence and was appointed as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. However, things took an unexpected turn and she had to step down. Now, she opened up about it and shared that her appointment was the result of her dedicated 'tapasya'. Months after the dispute, Mamta Kulkarni opened up about the controversy over her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada for the first time. In a recent conversation with ANI, the Karan Arjun actress shared, 'It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years.' She further added, 'God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened.' For the unversed, Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi announced that Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as the Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada during the Maha Kumbh Mela. As soon as the announcement was made, transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa criticized it citing her involvement in criminal activities in the past. On January 30, 2025, the founder of Kinnar Akhada Rishi Ajay Das expelled Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from her position. He shared that she deviated from the responsibilities she was given with the position. Ajay alleged that the agreement Lakshmi made with Juna Akhada in 2019 was not valid as it lacked consent. He also took a dig at her for allowing Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni to join Akhada and take on the role of Mahamandaleshwar. Calling it a betrayal of the Akhada's sacred values, Ajay questioned the ethical implications of giving such a prestigious title to someone having a criminal record. This created a controversy and soon President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad Mahant Ravindra Puri slammed him and questioned his right to remove Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from her position. He also added that she and Mamta will continue with their positions. As the controversy escalated, Mamta turned to social media to announce her resignation from the position. At the same time, the Kinnar Akhada officially removed Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and Mamta Kulkarni, citing increasing discord within the community and concerns about their spiritual credentials.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Mamta Kulkarni finally reacts to Mahamandleshwar controversy: 'It was all in God's hands for me to...'
Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev openly slammed Mamta's anointment as the Mahamandleshwar and said that nobody can attain sainthood 'in a single day." read more Former Bollywood actress who featured in films like Baazi, Karan Arjun and Sabse Bada Khiladi among others, recently stepped down from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Mamta, who adopted a new name — 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri," said that she would continue her spiritual path as a 'Sadhvi" (a female spiritual seeker). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mamta's action came after Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the Kinnar Akhada's founder, Rishi Ajay Das disputed over giving the title of Mahamandaleshwar to the former actress. Talking about the controversy, the former actress told ANI, '…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." Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev openly slammed Mamta's anointment as the Mahamandleshwar and said that nobody can attain sainthood 'in a single day." 'The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh," Baba Ramdev told PTI. In a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das said, '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." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mamta Kulkarni Breaks Silence On Mahamandleshwar Controversy: ‘It Was All in God's Hands'
Last Updated: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni stepped down as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at Maha Kumbh Mela after a dispute. She will continue her spiritual path as a Sadhvi. Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni had recently stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She said she will continue her spiritual path as a 'Sadhvi" (a female spiritual seeker). This came after a dispute between Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the Kinnar Akhada's founder, Rishi Ajay Das, over giving Mamta the title of Mahamandaleshwar. Mamta has now talked about the controversy for the first time. 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." Mamta Kulkarni left her worldly life behind to begin a spiritual journey. She took on a new name — 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri." She became a Mahamandaleshwar (a respected spiritual leader) on January 24 during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev openly criticised the actor's anointment as the Mahamandleshwar, saying that nobody can attain sainthood 'in a single day." 'The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh," Baba Ramdev was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 'Some individuals, who were indulged in worldly pleasures just yesterday, suddenly become saints or even attain titles like Mahamandaleshwar in a single day," the yoga guru added. Since Kulkarni was appointed the Mahamandleshwar, several saints have opposed the decision. Later, both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi were expelled from the Akhada by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada. According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das said, '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." In the 1990s, Mamta Kulkarni rose to fame with blockbuster films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. In the early 2000s, she stepped away from the film industry and relocated abroad. First Published:
India.com
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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.
