Laxmi Narayan corrects Mamta Kulkarni's 'blessing' blunder during Akhada ritual in viral video
Once known for her bold roles in 90s Bollywood,
Mamta Kulkarni
has reinvented herself in the most unexpected way—by stepping into the spiritual spotlight. Her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at Mahakumbh 2025 sparked headlines, debates, and viral moments.
From controversies and expulsion to an emotional return, Mamta's spiritual journey this year has been nothing short of dramatic—blending faith, fame, and fierce backlash in equal measure.
Viral Moment
In a now-viral video, members of the Kinnar Akhada are seen gathered for what appears to be a ceremonial procession. Laxmi Narayan stands under a beautifully decorated umbrella, orchestrating the event. She gestures for Mamta Kulkarni to join her, who then steps forward and takes her place under the canopy.
Mamta is seen raising her hand in a blessing pose, as Laxmi brings other members to join the formation, marking a symbolic and visually striking moment.
As soon as Laxmi Narayan noticed Mamta raising her hand in a blessing gesture, she promptly signaled her to lower it, asking her to stand straight instead. Mamta is seen dressed in a saffron kurta and palazzo, paired with a yellow scarf adorned with religious inscriptions—visibly blending into the spiritual setting of the event.
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Mahamandaleshwar row
During the Mahakumbh 2025 festival, Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan. Taking on a new spiritual identity as Shree Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, the former actress stepped into a deeply religious role. However, the announcement sparked widespread controversy, with many questioning her elevation and triggering intense backlash against her.
In an interview with ANI, Mamta Kulkarni shared that her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar during the historic 2025 Kumbh was, in her view, a divine decision. She believes it was the result of 25 years of dedicated spiritual practice, and that the timing of the event—held after 140 years—was no coincidence.
Expulsion and Resignation
However, on January 31, 2025, the situation took a dramatic turn when Rishi Ajay Das, founder of the Kinnar Akhada, expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from their positions and the Akhada itself.
The move came amid growing backlash and concerns over Mamta's controversial past. It was also revealed that her appointment was allegedly made without the founder's approval.
Just days later, Mamta announced her resignation from the post via social media, citing intense criticism and internal conflicts.
A few days after announcing her resignation, Mamta Kulkarni made a return to the Kinnar Akhada, stating that her guru had not accepted her decision to step down. Expressing gratitude for being reinstated, she affirmed her commitment to the Akhada and pledged to devote her life to the service of Sanatan Dharma.
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