Kinnar Akhara Severs Ties with Former Bollywood Actor Over Magh Mela Controversy
In a significant development from Prayagraj, the Kinnar Akhara has officially expelled former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni, also known as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, from its spiritual fold. This decisive action comes following her involvement in the ongoing controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati during the sacred Magh Mela celebrations.
Expulsion Announcement and Akhara's Stance
Acharya Mahamandleshwar Swami Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the prominent leader of Kinnar Akhara, made the expulsion public through a video statement released on Tuesday. "After holding a meeting with akhara officials, it was decided that Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri will not have any connection with the Kinnar Akhara from Tuesday," declared Tripathi, referring to January 27th as the effective date of severance.
Tripathi emphasized the akhara's desire to distance itself from controversy, stating clearly, "We do not want any kind of controversy." She further highlighted the inclusive nature of the Kinnar Akhara, which embraces women, men, and transgender individuals within its spiritual community.
The Controversial Comments That Triggered Action
The expulsion stems directly from comments Kulkarni made two days prior regarding Swami Avimukteshwaranand. The former actress had openly criticized the seer, questioning his authority and actions during the Magh Mela. "His actions led to his disciples getting beaten," Kulkarni had asserted in her controversial statement.
She specifically challenged Swami Avimukteshwaranand's need for a palanquin ride amidst millions of devotees, suggesting he could have walked to the bathing area instead. "A guru should be responsible, not stubborn," she added, questioning who had appointed him as Shankaracharya.
Broader Context of the Magh Mela Incident
The controversy centers around a standoff between Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and Magh Mela authorities that has been ongoing for ten days. The seer and his followers have been protesting outside his Triveni Marg camp, creating tensions during the sacred gathering.
Tripathi revealed that Kinnar Akhara seers and saints were particularly disturbed by reports of batuk (young Brahmin boys) being beaten and having their sacred threads pulled on Mauni Amavasya day. She described this incident as "an attack on Sanatan Dharm," indicating the seriousness with which the akhara viewed the matter.
Historical Background and Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Kulkarni's statements have caused discomfort within the Kinnar Akhara. Tripathi disclosed that the former actress had previously made remarks regarding underworld don Dawood Ibrahim that caused significant embarrassment to the spiritual organization.
The current expulsion marks a dramatic turn in Kulkarni's relationship with the akhara, which had previously honored her by making her a Mahamandaleshwar during the Maha Kumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. That appointment itself had triggered considerable uproar at the time.
Spiritual Leadership's Perspective and Call for Sensitivity
Despite the strong action taken against Kulkarni, Tripathi maintained a balanced perspective on the broader Magh Mela situation. "We visited Magh Mela and took a holy dip in Sangam," she shared, indicating the akhara's continued participation in the sacred rituals.
The spiritual leader refrained from taking sides in the dispute between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and mela authorities, stating she does not want to get into who was right or wrong. However, she emphasized that the mela administration should have handled the issue with greater sensitivity, suggesting that better management could have prevented the escalation of tensions.
This expulsion represents a significant development in the ongoing religious dynamics of Prayagraj's spiritual landscape, highlighting the delicate balance between individual expression and organizational discipline within India's diverse religious traditions.
