Mamta Kulkarni joins Kinnar Akhada after 23 years of penance, named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been named as the Mahamandleshwar Kinnar akhada. Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan announced this today. She has been named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.

Kulkarni later performed her 'Pind Daan' at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Later talking to reporters, Mamta Kulkarni said, "This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything."



Founded in 2015, the Kinnar Akhara is a Hindu religious order that champions the inclusion and recognition of transgender individuals in spiritual and social spheres. By appointing Mamta Kulkarni as their Mahamandleshwar, the Akhara seeks to amplify its message and expand its reach.

Mamta, who once ruled the silver screen with films like Karan Arjun and Aashiq Awara, has been living away from the limelight for years. Reports indicate that she has found profound peace in spirituality and is fully committed to her new path. Her induction into this esteemed position marks a defining moment in her life and solidifies her departure from her star-studded past.

In December 2024, Mamta returned to India after a 25-year absence, surprising many when she was spotted at the Mumbai airport. Speaking to ANI last month, she clarified, "I have not come back for Bollywood, and I am not planning to make a return as an actress."

From Bollywood to Maha Kumbh
Kulkarni, 52, formally renounced her worldly life in a ceremony included a 'Pind Daan' ritual, honoring departed ancestors, followed by a 'pattabhishek,' a consecration ceremony.

Kulkarni arrived at the Kinnar Akhara earlier on Friday and interacted with prominent figures like Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. She also bathed in the Sangam, the confluence of sacred rivers.

“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)," Kulkarni told reporters.

"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’,” she added.

Kulkarni explained that she underwent an examination before receiving the title. “I was asked what did I do in 23 years. When I cleared all the examinations, I got the 'upaadhi' of mahamandaleshwar,” she said.

Kulkarni stated she has been associated with the Juna Akhara for the past two years and with the Kinnar Akhara for the past few months. Tripathi confirmed her connection with the Kinnar Akhara and her spiritual journey.

“Mamta Kulkarni has been in touch with us for the past one-two years. She had previously been connected with Juna Akhara,” Tripathi said.

Kulkarni's decision was further explained in a press conference: “Laxmi Narayan Tripathi understood my 23 years of penance and Swami Mahendranand Giri Maharaj took my test in which I passed. I did not know that I was being tested for the last three days. I got the invitation to be made mahamandaleshwar only yesterday.” She added: "I joined the Kinnar Akhara because it was the 'madhyam maargi' (middle path)."