Mamata Kulkarni steps down as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara amid controversy, vows to remain a 'Sadhvi'

Former Bollywood actress-turned-spiritual leader Mamata Kulkarni has stepped down from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinner Akhara. She announced her resignation through an Instagram video, stating that ongoing controversies surrounding her appointment had led to this decision.  

"In light of the issues being raised about me in the Kinner Akhara, I am resigning from my post as Mahamandaleshwar or Mamata Nanda Giri," she said. "I have been a Sadhvi for 25 years and will continue to remain one."  

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Kulkarni was officially given the title of Mahamandaleshwar at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh on January 24, with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshminarayan Tripathi performing the pindadan ceremonies. However, her appointment soon sparked controversy, with allegations surfacing that she had paid ₹10 crore to secure the title. She stayed at the Maha Kumbh Mela for about a week after the ceremony.  

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Refuting the criticisms, Mamata Kulkarni clarified that she had distanced herself from Bollywood long ago and devoted herself to spiritual life. "People question me about my choices, but I have dedicated 25 years to penance. I have no attachment to the glamour world," she stated.  

She also responded to remarks from Shankaracharya, who suggested that she was caught between two spiritual traditions. "My guru is Swami Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, and I have done penance under his guidance for 25 years. I do not consider anyone equal to him. Ego has consumed many, and people are fighting among themselves. I don’t need to retreat to Kailash or the Himalayas—the entire world is before me," she asserted.