India
Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, has expelled former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhara for what he described as acts of treason against the principles of Sanatana Dharma. In a press statement released on January 31, 2025, Rishi Das expressed his discontent over the appointment of Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar, claiming it was done without his consent and violated the sacred traditions of the Akhara.
Rishi Ajay Das stated that the decision to appoint Kulkarni was made unconstitutionally by Tripathi and others in the Akhara, who he accused of straying from their original purpose of promoting religious values and uplifting the Kinnar community. “Instead of making her renunciate, they directly conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar on her,” he remarked, adding that he felt compelled to take action for the sake of the country, Sanatana Dharma, and society.
Mamta Kulkarni, known for her roles in popular 1990s films such as “Karan Arjun” and “Baazi,” was appointed Mahamandaleshwar during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who announced her appointment, had stated that Kulkarni had been in touch with the Akhara for over a year and could perform any devotional role she desired. However, this induction faced backlash from various members of the Kinnar community, who questioned Kulkarni’s credibility due to her past controversies, including her imprisonment related to drug cases.
One of the critics, Transgender Kathavackak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa, expressed strong concerns regarding the decision, suggesting that it was merely a publicity stunt. “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 stated.
Rishi Ajay Das further alleged that Laxmi Narayan Tripathi had previously entered into a deal with the Juna Akhara during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 2019 without his consent. He claimed that this deal allowed individuals to join the Akharas without adhering to necessary rituals or renouncing their worldly attachments, ultimately undermining the sanctity of Sanatana Dharma.
In conclusion, the recent expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Kinnar Akhara highlights ongoing tensions within the organization and raises questions about the integrity of appointments within religious communities. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this will affect the Kinnar Akhara and its mission moving forward.
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