Mamta Kulkarni, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi Expelled By Kinnar Akhara Founder

0Shares
Image

Mamta Kulkarni, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi Expelled By Kinnar Akhara Founder

The Kinnar Akhara had been at the centre of a major controversy following the appointment of Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar. The appointment had reportedly sparked objections from many within the ‘akhara’

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni was on FridayJanuary 31, 2025 expelled from the Kinnar Akhara days after her induction and elevation as the Mahamandaleshwar. Kinnar Akhara founder Ajay Das also expelled Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the akhara for inducting Kulkarni in the first place.

The Kinnar Akhara had been at the centre of a major controversy following the appointment of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar. The appointment had reportedly sparked objections from many within the akhara.

According to reports, Kinnar Akhara founder Ajay Das was embroiled in a difference of opinion with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, warning that they would remove Tripathi from the post. In response, Laxmi Narayan sparked a new controversy, claiming Das was not in a position of authority to do so.

Speaking to Media , Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi stated that all decisions within the Kinnar Akhara will be made with complete transparency. Tripathi had added that the Kinnar Akhara will hold a press conference on Friday January 31, 2025 afternoon to address the controversy, during which “an important announcement” will be made.

Tripathi had also claimed that Ajay Das had been expelled from the Kinnar Akhara. “Das lives with family and children. They have no place in Kinnar Akhara now. Kinnar Akhara will hold a press conference today at 3 pm,” Tripathi had said.

Questions have arisen regarding a potential review of the Mahamandaleshwar position within the Kinnar Akhara, including the possibility of appointing a new leader. Additionally, reports indicate a rise in factionalism within the akhara.

Who Is Mamta Kulkarni?

Mamta Kulkarni is a prominent Bollywood actress who was active primarily in the 1990s. She starred in numerous Hindi films and was known for her roles in movies like Karan Arjun (1995), Baazi (1995), and China Gate (1998). She was considered one of the leading actresses of that era and gained popularity for both her acting and her glamorous image.

However, her career in Bollywood ended rather abruptly in the early 2000s when she largely withdrew from public life.

Earlier last week, she assumed the title of Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Kulkarni had been given the spiritual name Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.

With the induction, Kulkarni had joined the ranks of the revered mahamandaleshwars — a title given to spiritual leaders who play a vital role in religious discourse and social upliftment.

Speaking to reporters, Kulkarni had said, “I started my penance (‘tapasya’) in 2000. And I chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as my ‘pattaguru’ because today is Friday… it is the day of Maha Kaali (Goddess Kaali)… Yesterday, preparations were on to make me a mahamandaleshwar. But today Maa Shakti instructed me that I choose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi because that person is a ‘saakshaat’ (direct) form of Ardhnaareshwar. What else can be a bigger title than an Ardhnaareshwar doing my ‘pattabhishek’.”

What Is Kinnar Akhara?

The Kinnar Akhara was established by transgender persons in 2018 and it functions under the Juna Akhara. An akhara is a Hindu religious order. The Kinnar Akhara is a monastic order of transgender sadhus. The title of Mahamandaleshwar, granted to Hindu monks of the Dashanami order, translates to ‘chief of great or numerous monasteries’.