Mamta Kulkarni Expelled From Kinnar Akhara At Maha Kumbh, Here's Why
Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood star turned ascetic, was expelled from the Kinnar Akhara by founder Rishi Ajay Das.
Actor Mamta Kulkarni who renounced worldly affairs for a spiritual journey was ousted from the Kinnar Akhara days after her induction into the sect at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Kinnar Akhara founder Rishi Ajay Das took action against the former actor and model and another seer, Laskhmi Narayan Tripathi. Both were removed from the post of Mahamandaleshwar and Das said that there will be a re-organisation of the Akhara. According to reports, Kulkarni was expelled for not shaving her head while Tripathi was dismissed for appointing Kulkarni who was accused of anti-national activities.
On January 24, actor Mamta Kulkarni reached the Maha Kumbh and took sanyas. She was given a new name as well and wore saffron clothes amid strong opposition from a section of Hindu seers.
Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi of Juna Akhara had given initiation to Mamta Kulkarni who has also been dismissed by Das.
After being inducted into the Kinnar Akhara, she was seen dawning saffron clothes while the akhara itself caught the eye of the storm over her inclusion. Several members of the akhara objected to her appointment.
Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa also opposed Kulkarni's appointment saying she has been made the Mahamandleshwar only for publicity. "Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh, and is given the position of Mahamandleshwar. This needs investigation," Himangi said.
Das said that Mamata, without following any religious or Akhara tradition, instead of going in the direction of renunciation, directly consecrated the title of Mahamandaleshwar.
He said Kulkarni was neither following the principles of Juna Akhara nor the principles of Kinnar Akhara.
"I am reluctantly forced to relieve them from their post in the interest of the country, Sanatan and society," Das said.
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