‘Betrayal of Sanatan Dharma’: Mamta Kulkarni's ‘akhaara’ appointment sparks row among saints

Mamta Kulkarni was conferred the spiritual name Shriyamai Mamta Nand Giri by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the president of Kinnar Akhara.

Updated on: Jan 27, 2025, 22:50:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni’s recent appointment as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the Mahakumbh Mela sparked a row. Many saints have voiced their displeasure over her rise to the prominent position.

Mamta Kulkarni performed rituals as she was consecrated as a mahamandaleshwar in Prayagraj. (PTI)

Mamta Kulkarni was conferred the spiritual name Shriyamai Mamta Nand Giri by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the president of Kinnar Akhara, while she was undergoing her initiation ceremony.

However, her appointment has become a point of contention for spiritual leaders who question whether she is eligible for the important role in the Akhara given her checkered past.

While some saints argue that she isn't the right choice because of her past, including criminal activities, some saints came to her defence.

‘Trap’: Hindu saints warn Mamta Kulkarni against renunciation

Condemning the erstwhile actor's elevation to the exalted post, Shri Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj, the head of Shambhavi Peeth called it a "betrayal of Sanatan Dharma."

He also advised Kulkarni not to fall into what he termed a "trap," cautioning her that there was no renunciation path for women and that her actions could mar her reputation.

Also Read | When Mamta Kulkarni revealed she joined films and pursued acting under ‘pressure’: I don’t regret quitting

Other prominent saints such as Mahamandaleshwar Balaknanda Ji Maharaj of the Niranjani Anand Akhara and Balaknanda Ji, who holds the position of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar have also expressed reservations.

They said that the title of Mahamandaleshwar is awarded only after a thorough investigation into a person's character, lifestyle, and background.

Mahamandaleshwar Ramakrishnanand Giri, from Panch Dasnam Agni Akhara, echoed similar views as he believed a person should be of good moral character, possess knowledge and should lead the society before this elevated position.

Some saints defend Mamta Kulkarni's appointment

On the other hand, some figures within the spiritual community have defended Kulkarni’s appointment.

Ravindra Puri, the President of the Parishad, offered a more lenient view, acknowledging that renunciation can come at any stage in life and that Kulkarni's past should not overshadow her potential for spiritual growth.

Also Read | Mamta Kulkarni reveals if she will do films again, opens up about working in entertainment industry

For the unversed, actor Mamta Kulkarni on Friday embarked on a spiritual journey by renouncing her worldly life and assuming a new identity of 'Mai Mamta Nand Giri', the Uttar Pradesh government said.

In a statement, the UP government said in the ongoing Maha Kumbh, Kulkarni first took 'sanyas' in the Kinnar Akhara and then she got a new name 'Mai Mamta Nand Giri' in the same akhara.

After performing 'Pind Daan', the Kinnar Akhara performed her pattabhishek (consecration ceremony).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.