Mamta Kulkarni Rejoins Kinnar Akhada as Mahamandaleshwar After Resigning Days Earlier

Mumbai February 14, 2025: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has made a dramatic return to the Kinnar Akhada as Mahamandaleshwar, just days after announcing her resignation from the prestigious position.

Kulkarni, who had stepped down on February 10, citing emotional reasons and criticism from those who opposed her appointment, confirmed her reinstatement in a video statement released on Friday. In her message, she explained that her resignation had been made in haste following false allegations against her spiritual guru, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi.

“I resigned in a moment of emotion after some people made false allegations against my guru. However, my guru did not accept my resignation and urged me to continue,” Kulkarni said. She added that her offerings, including the royal umbrella and sacred staff, would remain dedicated to the Akhada as a symbol of her commitment.

The actress, now known as Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, emphasized that she was dedicated to serving Sanatan Dharma under the guidance of her guru. Kulkarni explained that despite her emotional decision to resign, she had decided to continue her spiritual journey with the Akhada, a path she had been on for the past 25 years, after leaving her Bollywood career behind.

Kulkarni, who was officially appointed as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24, was given the new title in a ceremony attended by key spiritual figures, including Juna Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Swami Mahendranand Giri and Kinnar Mahamandaleshwars. She had also addressed allegations about paying for the position, which she firmly denied, stating that she had been asked for money before the ceremony but had refused, saying she did not have the funds.

The controversy surrounding Kulkarni's resignation and subsequent return has once again brought attention to the leadership of Kinnar Akhada, a prominent institution in the world of Hindu spirituality. As she resumes her duties, Kulkarni expressed her gratitude for the support she had received and reaffirmed her dedication to her spiritual path and the Akhada’s teachings.