Mahamandleshwar Mamta Kulkarni recalls dark phase at Maha Kumbh: ‘Jab case hua…’

New Delhi: After years of being in the limelight, Karan Arjun actress Mamta Kulkarni has now fully embraced a spiritual path as she was declared the ‘Mahamandleshwar’ in the Kinnar Akhada at Maha Kumbh 2025 on Friday (January 24) evening. After her consecration, she opened up about the same and even reacted to the drug case, in which she recently received clean chit. She also confirmed that she has quit Bollywood.

Meanwhile, Senior Mahamandaleshwars from the Juna and Kinnar Akharas has described Mamta Kulkarni’s journey as a new beginning. She also took a dip in the Sangam, and symbolically conveyed her departure from the past life.

What did Mamta Kulkarni say?

Mamta Kulkarni said that she has performed penance for 23 years and was very angry with god when cases were filed against her. She also shared that she questioned what she gained with this ‘tapasya’. She said that she was tested on esoteric knowledge and passed the examination. She further added that whatever she has received from her guru, has come to “liberate everyone through spirituality”. She also confirmed that she will not return to Bollywood.

When she was questioned about allegations linking her to the underworld, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi chimed in and said that all cases had been dismissed and only then, she was accepted in the Akhara.

Meanwhile, Mamta Kulkarni has also changed her name. She will now be called ‘Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri’ as she takes sanyas. The former actress was in touch with the Akhara for over one year.

What is the meaning of Mahamandleshwar?

Mahamandleshwar is given to a Hindu monk of the Dashanami order. As spiritual leaders, Mahamandleshwar spread the teaching of Sanatana Dharma, contributing towards a better society. They are also a part of the processions of their akharas during Kumbh Melas and hold satsang during melas. A Mahamandleshwar is supposed to follow certain rules and perform pind daan while alive. It is also the second highest-ranked monk title after Shankaracharya.

More details about Mamta Kulkarni

After facing controversies in the 1990s and subsequent legal challenges, she has now renounced worldly life to become a sadhvi. The concretion ceremony included traditional rituals, chants and formal worship, transforming her into a spiritual leader from a prominent 90s actress.