Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa has raised questions about Mamta Kulkarni‘s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Speaking to ANI, Himangi Sakhi expressed her concerns, citing the former Bollywood actress’ controversial past and questioning the decision-making process of the Akhada.
Himangi Sakhi remarked, “First of all, who was Kinnar Akhada formed for? For the Kinnar community. But now, a woman has been inducted into the Kinnar Akhada. If it is Kinnar Akhada and you have started giving positions to women, then rename the Akhada. Several other film stars have come to this Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip…We never commented on anyone. But do we have to comment today? A film star like Mamta Kulkarni, who has links to D Company, who was sent to jail in a drug case…The entire world knows this. Despite that, you give her ‘deeksha’ and anoint her as Mahamandaleshwar without offering her any ‘shiksha’…What kind of ‘Guru’ are you giving to society?”
She further questioned the coronation process, saying, “What was the reason behind anointing her as the Mahamandaleshwar? Pattabhishek was performed but ‘mundan’ was not performed? Is that reasonable? Mamta Kulkarni’s background should have been looked into. She has connections with D Company. She returned to India suddenly, her videos went viral. She arrived at Kumbh suddenly, her videos went viral. And then she is anointed as Mahamandaleshwar. What are the facts behind this? This should be investigated. I strongly condemn this…What else is this, if not a publicity stunt? In these times, an Akhada can do anything for publicity. I condemn this…”
On Friday, Mamta Kulkarni performed ‘pind daan’ at the Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj. Speaking to the media, Mamta 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.”
Mamta met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and received blessings as part of her spiritual journey. During a traditional coronation ceremony, she was declared Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada and given the name ‘Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.’
Kinnar Akhada, a Hindu religious order formed under the Juna Akhada, is traditionally led by members of the eunuch community. Reports suggest Mamta Kulkarni has been associated with Juna Akhada for two years and connected with Kinnar Akhada more recently.
