Latest news with #Mahamandaleshwar
News18
5 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:
Hindustan Times
5 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.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- 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)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"...It was all in God's hands": Mamta Kulkarni on controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
Former Bollywood actress 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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.
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Religious leaders call HC ‘ignorant' for calling Puranic texts ‘hearsay' in Krishna Janmabhoomi case
'The things that Allahabad HC has said that Radhaji is kaalpanik (imaginary) reflect the ignorance of the court. Maybe he is not aware how religious law functions in India,' said Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Uttarakhand's Jyotir Math. Religious leaders–including Uttarakhand Jyotir Math Shankaracharya, Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara Kailashanand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara and Swami Jitendranand Saraswati of the Sant Samiti—condemned the move, saying the scriptures cannot be dismissed as hearsay. New Delhi: Several religious leaders have sharply criticised an Allahabad High Court ruling rejecting an application by the deity, Shriji Radha Rani Vrishbhanu Kumar Vrindavani (Goddess Radha), seeking to be made a party to one of the 18 suits related to the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah after it called scriptural evidence 'hearsay'. 'He should at least have remembered that in 2019 itself, the Supreme Court had given a verdict on Ram-Janmabhoomi. The verdict was in favour of Ram Lalla. In this, too, Skanda Purana and other Hindu texts were the basis. Courts should not hurt the sentiments of crores of Sanatani Hindus,' he added. In its order dated 23 May, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra said that 'Pauranic illustrations' cited by the applicant are 'considered hearsay evidence' and there was no proof to support the claim that the deity was a joint holder of the 13.37 acres of land in question. Mishra said the petitioner's claim is based on some reference in various Purans and Sanhitas in which Shriji Radha Rani is considered the soul of Lord Krishna. 'The Pauranic illustrations are generally considered as hearsay evidence in legal context. In the case of Pauranic illustrations, these are graphic representation of story and events and truth of events, they depict, is usually based on narrative and not on direct observation or testimony,' the court said. 'There is no evidence in support of the claim raised by the applicant that the applicant is entitled as joint holder of said land of 13.37 acres and property of the applicant is also involved in suit property claimed by the plaintiff no.1 as birth place of lord Krishna,' it added. Other religious leaders also said the court had undermined their faith. 'Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran and Gita both are part of the Mahabharat. We cannot in any way call them suni sunayi,' Jitendranand Saraswati, general secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, told ThePrint. 'Thousand years ago, the Mahabharat happened, Dwarka is of Lord Krishna and Radhika ji Surya Sarovar Kurukshetra mai purnima ka snaan karne gayi thi. Every scripture of Sanatan Dharma, including Lord Ram, has been called controversial. People have called it a myth and we have seen what happened to them. If the HC has said something like this, it should reconsider its view,' he said. The Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara, Swami Yatindranand Giri, told ThePrint that in a religious dispute, such religious texts are quoted while pointing out that Puranas, Vedas and Upanishads are 'granths' (religious texts). 'Puranas are not 'suni sunayi baatein' (hearsay). They are our granths and their truth cannot be negated. The kind of things that are being said should not be told in the first place and one should be careful while making such statements as it is linked to faith,' he said. Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara Kailashanand Giri told the media that things written in the Puranas are not hearsay but completely authentic. He said it is on the basis of the things written in the Puranas that one believes and worships the Gods. The Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute is a long-standing legal battle centred around claims that the mosque stands on a site, which Hindus believe was the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The mosque lies adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: No option but to be powerful in face of evil forces at our borders—RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Organiser
